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Local Historical 
AND Biographical Notes 



COLLECTED BY 



ETHAN ALLEN WEAVER 



From Files of Newspapers Published in 



EASTON, PENNA. 



Germantown, Penna. 
1906 



PREFACE 

The First Series of "Notes" appesired in 
the Frt^c Press of Eastoii, Pa., in lS!)f5, and 
bef,'an with the issue in 1799 of the first 
English newspaper printed in North:nnptoii 
County, Pa. 

Unfortunately no reprints were made of 
these contributions, and of the series contained 
herein, only thirty copies are issued of which 
tills is 



No. 



2. a. 




Germantown, Pa. 
June 7, 1906 



Gift 
Author 
(Person) 

17 0'08 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES RELATING 
TO EASTON AND NORTHAMP- 
TON COUNTY, PA., AND 
THEIR INHABITANTS. 



The Erection of Northampton County 
150 Years Ago, March 11, 1752. 

NEW SERIES. 



Contributed by Ethan A. Weaver. 



"Not to know what has been trans- 
acted in former times is always to 
remain a child." 



Having recovered from the shock 
which the appearance in print of my 
last contribution gave me by the an- 
nouncement that it was my forty-elev- 
enth (XLXI.), I will resume for a time 
in this, the sesquicentennial, year of 
the founding of old Northampton and 
its shire-town, Easton, these sketches, 
compiled from unpublished maun- 
scripts, the current newspapers of the 
times and other authentic sources of 
information. 

The allusion above to the l-50th 
birthday of your county and city 
prompts me to begin this series of 
sketches with some account of the 
causes which led to their formation, 
how it was finally accomplished, with 
the introduction of some matter here- 
tofore impublished. 

That no public celebration of your 
twin birthday anniversary will take 
place is to be regretted, but there is 
some compensation for this omission 
in the fact that two educational memo- 
rials will be erected in your midst in 
this memorable year— a public library 
last contribution gave me by the an- 
nouncement that it was my forty-elev- 
enth (XLXI.), I will resume for a time 
in this, the sesquicentennial, year of 
the founding of old Northampton and 
its shire-town, Easton, these sketches, 
compiled from unpublished manu- 
scripts, the current newspapers of the 
times and other authentic sources of 
information. 

The allusion above to the 150th 
(and what could there be more appro- 
priate?) and the chime of bells which 
the ancient Reformed congregation 
will place in its historic church edifice. 
Why not arrange that the first service 
of these bells shall be to "ring out the 
old, ring in the new" on March 11th 
next— the natal day of the county and 
town which are second to none in the 
old Keystone State in historical in- 
terest ? 

[Since the above was written the 



chimes have been put in service.— Ed.] 
Pennsylvania, so called in honor of 
Admiral Sir William Penn, was a grant 
of land made by King Charles II. of 
England to William Penn, son of the 
Admiral, in payment of a claim held 
by the Admiral against the crown for 
services. The grant was made under 
a charter dated March 4, 1681, and in 
tne following year (December, 1682) 
the founder, with about 100 of his coun- 
trymen, all of whom belonged to the 
sect known as Quakers, landed on the 
banks of the Delaware some distance 
below the present Philadelphia. The 
history of the troubles with the Indi- 
ans with respect to the ownership of 
the lands, and the several treaties and 
walking purchase under which much 
of it was acquired by the proprietors, 
Thomas and John Penn (the sons of 
William and grandsons of the Admiral), 
who were members of the Established 
Church and opposed to the Quakers, 
is too voluminous for these sketches. 

One of Penn's early acts was to 
divide his province into three counties 
—Philadelphia, Chester and Bucks. 
With the influx of the German emi- 
grants, which began in considerable 
numbers about 1708, the population in 
the regions bordering the Lehigh be- 
came quite a factor in the elections of 
Bucks county, which then embraced 
the territory as far north as the New 
York State line and bordering the west 
shore of the Delaware. In co-operation 
with the Quakers the Germans wielded 
a political power in the Assembly in 
opposition to the proprietary interests. 
In order to break this alliance, and 
thereby reduce the number of repre- 
sentatives, the Penns (Thomas and 
John) fathered the movement for the 
creation of a new county that would 
embrace within its limits the rapidly 
growing German communities. 

During the latter part of 1750 and 
commencement of 1751 petitions were 
circulated in the upper parts of Bucks 
county for the formation of a new 
county. The following extracts from 
the journal of the Colonial Assembly 
will show the proceedings in the mat- 
ter; 

March 11, 1751.— A petition from a 
great number of inhabitants of the 
county of Bucks was presented to the 
House and read, setting forth that by 
the number of inhabitants and the re- 
mote extent of settlements of said 
county from the present seat of Judica- 
ture, they are extremely harassed and 
aggrieved whenever they have occasion 
to make application for obtaining jus- 
tice, and often choose to lose their 
right rather than sue for it, under such 
circumstances; that many knowing 



this are guilty of fraudulent and deceit- 
ful practices, as well as other licen- 
tious behaviour, which they durst not 
attempt were the petitioners erected 
into a county by themselves and the 
seat of justice more easily to be come 
at; that they are encouraged to hope 
that the same justice, equity and re- 
gard for the public good which induced 
the late Assemblies to erect two new 
counties [Berks and Cumberland] for 
the relief of the inhabitants will, as 
their case is the same, be extended to 
them; that they apprehend a division 
line run to the southward from Tohick- 
on creek to the line of Philadelphia 
county, and from thence to the north- 
ward by a common line that divides 
Philadelphia county from Bucks would 
be the most convenient separation from 
the old county of Bucks; that it is with 
concern for the public as well as with 
great detriment to themselves that they 
daily see the produce of that part of 
the province carried over at the point 
of the Forks of Delaware into the Jer- 
sey's, and from thence by land to 
Brunswick, which is a private loss, by 
the heavy charges for carriage and a 
provincial loss, by so great a share of 
the produce going to a foreign market, 
but all this they conceive might be 
thoroughly remedied if there was a 
new county erected and a proper situa- 
tion pitched upon for the seat of com- 
merce and justice. They therefore 
being conscious that what is here of- 
fered is essentially connected with the 
good of the public in general, as well 
as of the inhabitants in particular, do 
pray this House to grant them a speedy 
and effectual relief in all the prem- 
ises." 

June 16, 1751. — The petition was read 
a second time and referred to the con- 
sideration of the next Assembly. 

February 5, 1752. — The petition was 
read and ordered to lie on the table. 

February 6, 1752. — Petition read a 
second time and referred for further 
consideration. 

February 11, 1752. — A petition from 
the agents of the petitioners praying 
that the House would resume the con- 
sideration was read and ordered to lie 
on the table. 

February 13, 1752. — The petition from 
the agents, &c., was read the second 
time and considered. "Resolved, That 
the said petitioners have leave to bring 
in a bill concerning said county. 

February 18, 1752.— A bill for erect- 
ing the northwestern part of Bucks 
into a separate county was read the 
first time. 

February 20,1752. — The bill was read 
the second time- paragraph by para, 
graph, and ordered to be transcribed 



for a third reading. 

February 21, 1752. — Was read the 
third time (being transcribed). "Re- 
solved, The bill do pass." Ordered 
that Joseph Hamton and Richard 
Walker, of Bucks county, do carry up 
tne same to the Governor for his con- 
currence. 

February 22, 1752. — The gentlemen 
appointed to wait on the Governor with 
the bill for erecting the northwest part 
of Bucks into a separate county report 
that they had delivered the same ac- 
cording to order, and that the Governor 
was pleased to say that he would give 
it all the dispatch in his power. 

March 6, 1752. — The Governor, by 
his secretary, sent down the bill, with 
some amendments, which were read, 
agreed to by the House, and ordered 
to be ingrossed with the bill. 

March 11, 1752.— On this day the bill 
[as follows] was signed by the Gov- 
ernor. 
AN ACT FOR ERECTING THE 

NORTHWEST PART OF BUCKS 
INTO A SEPARATE COUNTY. 

Whereas, A great number of the In- 
habitants of the Upper Parts of the 
County of Bucks, by their Petition, 
have humbly represented to the Gov- 
ernor and Assembly of this Province 
the great Hardships they lay under, by 
being so remote from the present Seat 
of Judicature, and the public Ofiices, 
that the necessary Means to be used 
for obtaining Justice is attended with 
to much difficulty and Expense, that 
many forego their Right, rather than 
attempt the Recovery of it under such 
circumstances; while others, sensible 
of these difficulties, commit great vil- 
lainies with Impunity. For remedying 
whereof, and for relief of the IrLhabi- 
tants, be it enacted by the Honourable 
James Hamilton, Esq., Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor, under the Honourable Thomas 
Penn, and Richard Penn, Esquires, true 
and absolute Proprietaries of the Prov- 
ince of Pennsylvania, and of the Coun- 
ties of New-Castle, Kent, and Sussex, 
upon Delaware, by and with the Advice 
and Consent of the Representatives of 
the Freemen of the said Province, in 
General Assembly met, and by the 
Authority of the same. That all and 
singular the Lands, lying within the 
Province of Pennsylvania aforesaid, be 
erected into a County; and the same is 
hereby erected into a County, named, 
and henceforth to be called, Northami>- 
ton; to be divided from the County of 
Bucks by the upper or Northwestward 
line of Durham Tract, to the Upper 
comer thereof; then by a straight line 
to be run Southwestwardly to the Line 
dividing the Townships of Upper and 
Lower Milford; then along the said 



Line to the Line dividing Philadelphia 
and Bucks Counties, and then by that 
Line to the Extremity of the said Prov- 
ince. 

II. And be it further enacted by the 
Authority aforesaid, That the Inhabi- 
tants of the said County shall, at all 
times hereafter, have and enjoy all and 
singular the Jurisdictions, Powers, 
Rights, Liberties and Privileges what- 
soever, which the Inhabitants of any 
other County within the said Province 
do, may, or ought to enjoy, by any 
Charter or Privileges, or the Laws of 
this Province, or bj^ any other Ways 
or Means whatsoever, excepting only 
in the Number of Representatives to 
serve in General Assembly of this Prov- 
ince; in which Case it is Provided and 
fui-ther enacted by Authority aforesaid, 
That until it shall be otherwise oi'dered 
by the Governor and Assembly of this 
Province, the Freemen and Inhabitants 
of the said County, qualified by the 
Laws of this Province to elect, shall 
annually meet at or near the Place 
where the Court House is intended to 
be built for the said County, at the 
same Time the Inhabitants of the other 
Counties of this Province shall meet 
for like Purposes, and there proceed 
to choose Inspectors, and to Elect one 
Representative or Delegate, to serve 
them in assembly, in the same manner 
as by the Charter and Laws of this 
Province is directed in respect to other 
Counties; which said ivepresentatives, 
when so chosen, shall be a member of 
the General Assembly of the Province 
of Pennsylvania, and sit and act as 
such, as fully and freely as any of the 
Representatives for the other Counties 
within this Province do, may, can, or 
ought to do. 

III. And be it further enacted by the 
Authority aforesaid. That all Taxes 
already laid within the Bounds of the 
said County of Northampton, by Virtue 
of any Act of Assembly of this Prov- 
ince, which are not already paid, shall 
be Collected by the respective Collec- 
tors within the Bounds aforesaid, and 
paid into the Hands of the Treasurer 
of Bucks County; and that all persons 
concerned in the levying, receiving and 
paying the said Taxes, shall have the 
same Power and Authority, and be un- 
der the same Penalties and Restric- 
tions, for collecting and paying the 
same, as by the said Acts, by which the 
said Taxes were assessed, are express- 
ed and directed, until the Whole be 
collected and paid as aforesaid. 

I V . And, be it further enacted by the 
Authority aforesaid, That the Justices 
of the Supreme Court of this Province, 
shall have like Powers, Jurisdictions 
and Authorities, within the said County 



Oj. Northampton, as by Law they are 
vested with, and entitled unto, in the 
other Counties within the Province 
aforesaid; and are hereby authorized 
and impowered, from Time to Time, to 
deliver the Gaols of the said County 
of capital or other Offenders, in like 
Manner as they are authorized to do 
in the other Counties aforesaid. 

V. And be it further enacted by the 
Authority aforesaid. That there shall 
be a competant number of Justices 
nominated and authorized by the Gov- 
ernor for the Time being, by Commis- 
sions under the Broad Seal of the Prov- 
ince; which said Justices, or any three 
oi them, shall and may hold Courts of 
General Quarter Sessions of the Peace 
and Gaol Delivery, and County Courts 
for holding of Pleas; and shall have 
all and singular the Powers, Rights, 
Jurisdictions and Authorities, to all 
Intents and Purposes, as other the 
Justices of Courts of General Quarter 
Sessions and Justices of the County 
Courts for holding of Pleas, in the other 
Counties aforesaid, may, can, or ought 
to have, in their respective Counties; 
which said Courts Shall, from and af- 
ter the Publication of this Act, sit and 
be held for the said County of North- 
ampton, on the Third day of the Week, 
commonly called Tuesday, next ensu- 
ing Bucks County Courts, in every of 
the Months called March, June, Sep- 
tember and December, in every Year, 
at Easton. on Lehietan, in the Forks of 
the River Delaware, until a Court- 
House shall be built; and when the 
same is built and erected in the County 
aforesaid, the said several Courts shall 
then be holden and kept at the said 
Court House, on the Days before men- 
tioned. And the Election of a Repre- 
sentative to serve in General Assem- 
bly, Assessors and all other Officers of 
the said County, who are or shall be 
appointed to be annually elected, shall 
be made and elected at or near the said 
Court-House, at the same Time, and in 
the same Manner, as by the Charter of 
Privileges, and Laws of the Province 
aforesaid, is directed to be done in 
other Counties within this Province. 
And it shall be lawful for the Freemen 
of the said County, for the first Year, 
to choose three Commissioners for 
raising County Rates and Levies for 
the said County. 

VI. And be it further enacted by the 
Authority aforesaid. That it shall and 
may be lawful to and for Thomas 
Craig, Hugh Wilson, John Jones, Thos. 
Armstrong and James Martin, or any 
three of them, to purchase and take 
Assurance to them and their Heirs of 
a Piece of Land, situate in some conve- 
nient Place in the said Town, in Trust, 



and for the Use of the Inhabitants of 
the said County, and thereon to erect 
and build a Court raouse and Prison, 
sufScient to accommodate the public 
Service of the said County, and for the 
Ease and Conveuiency of the Inhabi- 
tants. 

VII. And be it further enacted by the 
Authority aforesaid. That for the de- 
fraying the Charges of purchasing the 
Land, building and erecting the Court 
House and Prison aforesaid, it shall 
and may be lawful to and for the Com- 
missioners and the Assessors of the 
said County, or a Majority of them, to 
assess and levy, and they are hereby 
required to assess and levy, so much 
money as the said Trustees, or any 
three of them, shall judge necessary 
for purchasing the Land and finishing 
the said Court-House and Prison. Pro- 
vided always, the Sum of Money, so to 
be raised, does not exceed Three Hun- 
dred Pounds, current money of this 
Province. 

VIII. Provided, also, and be it fur- 
ther enacted by the Authority afore- 
said. That no Action or Suit, now com- 
menced or depending in the County of 
Bucks, against any person living within 
the Bounds of the said County of 
Northampton, or elsewhere, shall be 
stayed or discontinued by this Act, or 
by anything herein contained; but that 
the same Actions already commenced 
or depending, may be prosecuted, and 
Judgment thereupon rendered, as if 
this \ct had not been made, And it 
shall and raaj' be lawful for the Jus- 
tices of Bucks County to issue any 
Judicial process, to be directed to the 
Sheriff of Bucks County, for carrying 
on and obtaining the Effect of their 
Suits; which Sheriff shall be and is 
hereby obliged to yield obediance In 
executing the said Writs, and make 
due Return thereof before the Justices 
of the said Court of the said County of 
Bucks, as if the Parties were living 
and residing within the same. 

IX. And be it further enacted by the 
Authority aforesaid, That Daniel Craig, 
of the said County of Northampton, be, 
and hereby is appointed, Collector of 
the Excise of the said County, who is 
hereby authorized and impowered, by 
himself or his sufficient Deputy, duly 
constituted, and for whom he shall be 
accountable, to demand, collect, receive 
and recover, the Excise appointed to 
be paid by any Act or Acts of Assembly 
ol this Province, and also the Arrear- 
ages thereof, of and from all and every 
Person and Persons within the said 
County, retailing or vending any of the 
Liquors by the said Acts liable to pay 
the same; and also to recover and re- 
ceive all and every the Duties, Fines 



and Forfeitures laid or imposed, or 
tnai shall happen to arise or become 
due, tor any Thing done contrary to the 
Intent of the said Acts. 

X. And be it further enacted by the 
Authority aforesaid, That the said Col- 
lector of Excise for the County of 
Northampton aforesaid, the better to 
enable himself to recover the Arrear- 
ages of Excise now due, or which shall 
become due before the Publication of 
this Act, shall apply to the Collector of 
Excise for the County of Bucks for a 
List, which he is hereby enjoined and 
required to deliver, containing the 
names of each and every Person in 
Arrear for Excise within the said 
County of Northampton, and how much 
from each of them. 

XI. And be it further enacted by the 
Authority aforesaid. That the Collector 
of the County of Northampton afore- 
said, before he enters on the Execution 
ot his said Office, is hereby required 
to give Bond, with two sufficient Sure- 
ties, to the Treasurer of this Province 
for the Time being, in the Sum of Two 
Hundred Pounds, lawful Money of the 
Province aforesaid, tor the faithful dis- 
charge of his Duty, and paying all Such 
sums of Money, as he shall from Time 
to Time receive by virtue of this Act. 
And further, the Collector of the said 
County of Northampton shall in all 
Things govern himself, and be subject 
to the same. Regulations, Restrictions, 
Fines and Forfeitures, and shall ob- 
serve like Rules, Orders and Direc- 
tiohs, as the Collectors of other the 
Counties aforesaid, by the Laws of this 
Province, are Liable to. And the said 
Collector for the Discharge of the Duty 
of the said Office, within the said County 
of Northampton, shall have and receive 
like Fees, Perquisites and Rewards, 
for his services enjoined by this Act, 
as other the Collectors aforesaid, Phila- 
delphia excepted, by the Acts aforesaid 
are entitled unto, for the Services en- 
joined them by the Acts aforesaid. 

XII. And be it further enacted by the 
Authority aforesaid, That until a Sher- 
iff and Coroner shall be chosen in the 
County of Northampton, in Pursuance 
of this Act, it shall and may be lawful 
for the Sheriff and Coroner of Bucks 
to officiate and act in the Discharge of 
their respective Duties, as fully and 
amply as they might and ought to have 
done if this Act had not been made; 
one of whom, or his Deputy, shall at- 
tend and discharge the Duty of his 
Office, according to the Laws of this 
Province, at the next Election at 
Bucks; and the other of them, or his 
Deputy, shall attend and Discharge the 
Duty of his office, in like Manner, at 
the first Election next to be held in the 



County of Northampton aforesaid, in 
Pursuance of the Directions of this 
Act. 

XIII. And to the End of the Bounda- 
ries of the said County of Northampton 
may be better ascertained and known. 
Be it further Enacted by the Authority 
aforesaid. That it shall and may be 
lawful to and for John Chapman, John 
"Vvatson, junior, and Samuel Foulke, or 
to and for a majority of them, and they 
are hereby required and firmly enjoin- 
ed, within the Space of Six Months, 
next after the Publication of this Act, 
to assemble themselves together and 
run, mark out and distinguish, the 
Boundary Line between the said Coun- 
ties of Bucks and Northampton, and 
the Charges to arise for the doing 
thereof shall be defrayed by the said 
County of Northampton, and to that 
End levied and raised by the Inhabi- 
tants thereof, in such manner as other 
Public Money, for the use of the Said 
County, by Law ought to be raised and 
levied. 



The origin of the name of the county 
was not with the Assembly, for in a 
letter from Thomas Penn, one of the 
Proprietaries, to Governor Hamilton, 
dated London, September 8, 1751, he 
expressed the desire that the new town 
(which had been ordered to be sur- 
veyed at the Forks of the Delaware) 
be named Easton, and whenever a new 
county should be erected it be called 
Northampton. There was a senti- 
mental reason for this suggestion of 
names, for Penn had just married 
Juliana Fermor, the daughter of Lord 
Pomfret, whose country seat, Easton- 
Neston, was located in Northampton- 
shire, where, it is said, are located 
more seats of the nobility and gentry 
than in any other county of England, 
and for upwards of a century there was 
a Fermor street, a Pomfret street, a 
Hamilton street, a Juliana street and 
a John street, which the unromantic 
burghers of Easton converted into 
Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth 
streets. 

Northampton county at the time of 
its erection contained an area of 5,321 
square miles. 

This was reduced to its present lim- 
it of about 370 square miles by: 

Erection of Northumberland county 
March 27, 1772—2,072 square miles. 

Erection of Wayne county March 21, 
1798 — 720 square miles. 

Erection of Schuylkill county March 
11, 1811 — 175 square miles. 

Erection of Lehigh county March 6, 
1812—389 square miles. 



Erection of Columbia county March 
22, 1813—25 square miles. 

Erection of Pike county March 26, 
iol4 — 580 square miles. 

Erection of Monroe county April 1, 
1836 — 600 square miles. 

Erection of Carbon county March 13, 
1843 — 390 square miles 

This made a total reduction of 4,951 
square miles, leaving present area of 
Northampton county 370 square 
miles. 

Of the 2,072 square miles taken to 
Northumberland county in 1772: 

713 square miles were in 1786 includ- 
ed in the formation of Luzerne county. 

797 square miles were in 1810 in- 
cluded in the formation of Susquehanna 
county. 

390 square miles were in 1810 in- 
cluded in the formation of Bradford 
county. 

172 square miles were in 1842 in- 
cluded in the formation of Wyoming 
county. 

Of the 713 square miles taken to 
form Luzerne county 424 square miles 
were cut off in 1878 and constitutes the 
present county of Lackawanna, so that 
at the end of Northampton's first cen- 
tury and a half its blood courses, so to 
speak, in the veins of fourteen coun- 
ties, and genealogically eight counties 
claim her as a parent, four as grand- 
parent and one as great-grandparent. 

The population of the counties which 
trace their ancestry, entire or in part, 
to old Northampton aggregate at this 
time 1,069,785, but only three cities 
located within these counties exceed 
the population of the shire-town (Eas- 
ton) of the original and present North- 
ampton county. They are Allentown, 
Wilkes-Barre and Scranton. 

The population of Northampton 
county and of Easton since their for- 
mation to the present time has been: 

Northampton 
Years County Easton 

1752 4,000 30 (estimated) 

1760 8,800 150 

1770 14,470 350 

1^80 19,360 475 

1V90 24,250 600 (U.S.census) 

1800 30,062 1,045 

1810 38,145 1,657 

1820 31,765 2,370 

1830 39,482 3,529 

1840 40,996 4,865 

1850 40,235 7,250 

1860 47,904 8,944 

1870 61,432 10,987 

1880 70,312 11,924 

1890 84,220 14,481 

1900 99,687 25,238 

It will be seen from the above that 
the population of Easton in this its 
sesqui-centennial year is about what 



the entire then existing county of 
JNorthampton contained in 1790 — the 
first year of a government census. 

The population, estimated at 4,000, of 
the county at the time of its formation 
was distributed on soil now contained 
in the following counties and town- 
ships: 

(1) Townships in the present coun- 
ty of Northampton: 

Easton 30 

Bethlehem, including Nazar- 
eth (Upper and Lower, 
Christian Spring and Gnad- 
enthal — the Moravian Settle- 
ments) 500 

Allen (and East Allen, includ- 
ing Hanover) 220 

Williams 150 

Lower Saucon 250 

Forks of Delaware, excluding 

Easton, including Palmer. . 50 
Plainfield (including Bushkill 50 

Moore 25 

Lehigh 100 

Mt. Bethel (Upper and Lower, 

and Washington) 125 

1500 

(2) Townships in the present coun- 
ty of Lehigh: 

Upper Milford 250 

Upper Saucon 200 

Macungie 300 

Salisbury 100 

Town of Northampton (Allen- 
town) 20 

Whitehall 250 

Lowhill 75 

Weisenburg 150 

Heidelberg 175 

Lynn 200 

Hanover 80 

1800 

(3) Townships in the present coun- 
ty of Monroe: 

Chestnut Hill 25 

Hamilton 50 

Lower Smithfield 225 

300 

(4) Townships in the present county 
of Carbon: 

Penn 150 

Towamensing 50 

200 

(5) Townships in the present coun- 
ties of Wayne and Pike: 

Upper Smithfield 75 

Delaware 125 

200 



4000 
The townships which had been form- 
ed and named prior to the erection of 
Northampton were 

Smithfield 1742 

Milford 1742 

Saucon 'Upper and Lower 1743 

Macungie 1743 



Bethlehem 1'746 

Mt. Bethel 1'74S 

Allen 1749 

Williams 1749 

The only township north of the Blue 
mountains was Smithfield, inhabited 
by Hollanders, and all beyond was an 
unbroken wilderness known as "Towa- 
mensing," a country practically unin- 
habited, and on a map printed in 1749 
called "St. Anthony's Wilderness." 

The act of Assembly creating the 
new county, designated the location of 
the county seat, and time for holding 
court, and as the first court was due 
in June folloving, no time was to be 
lost in laying out the seat of justice 
and providing for the county offices, 
etc. There was plenty of timber avail- 
able not only for building purposes, 
but also from which to make county 
officials. 

The first court of the county was 
held June 16, 1752 before Justices 
Thomas Craig, Timothy Horsfield, 
Hugh Wilson, James Martin, and Wil- 
liam Craig (descendants of some of 
these are living in the county at this 
writing). The Craigs (Thomas and Wil- 
liam) were two of four brothers who 
between 1720 and 1740 located in 
Bucks county; of those who remained 
in Bucks (Daniel and James) the for- 
mer was the great-great-great grand- 
father of President Theodore Roose- 
velt. 

Hugh Wilson married a sister of the 
four Craig brothers and was the great- 
great-great grandfather of Hon. Rob- 
ert E. James, of your city, so that the 
President and Mr. James had a Craig 
ancestor in common who probably liv- 
ed in the north of Ireland at the begin- 
ning of the Eighteenth century. 

Timothy Horsfieid, who married 
Mary Doughty, of Long Island, was 
an Englishman born 1708, died 1773. 
He left three children — one of them 
Timothy, Jr., married William Par- 
son's daughter. One of their descend- 
ants is Rev. Dr. William J. Holland, 
Chancellor of the Western University 
of Pennsylvania. 

The first election in the county was 
held October 1, 1752, when the trouble 
which had so strongly manifested it- 
self in Bucks county as to bring about 
the establishment of a new county — 
that is to say the contest between the 
allied Quaker and German factions 
against the proprietary or Penn ele- 
ment — broke out in a contest for the 
Assembly, William Parsons was the 
proprietary candidate and was defeat- 
ed by James Bunisides, a Moravian — 
the Quaker-German candidate^ — after a 
spirited political contest — the first 
fruits of an institution which has sur- 

6 



Tived in the county to this aay. 

The elections for the entire county 
and for many years, were held at Eas- 
ton. 



In the collections of the Historical 
Society of Pennsylvania, is a manu- 
script entitled "Acct. of Wages paid 
workmen for clearing the streets in 
Easton at 3 shillings per Day, they 
finding themselves." I believe this 
has heretofore never been printed. It 
is as follows: 

"May the 11th, 1752 

Rec'd. of Mr. Peters Seven Pounds 
towards defraying the charge of open- 
ing the streets in Easton. . . £ 7 

And per Mr. John Jones £23 

And in Philadelphia 20 



£50 
May the 7th left Philada. in compa. 
with Mr. Nicholas Scull. 

Expenses at Abington £0 3 

Expenses at the Billet 
[Crooked-Billet now Hat- 

boro, Bucks Co.] 14 

Expenses at Alexander Poe's 
[Patrick Poe's at the "Sign 
of the Plough,' at the pres- 
ent Gardenville, Bucks 
Co. is probably meant, as 
no Alexander Poe was inn- 
keeper in Bucks Co. at 

this time] 8 

Expenses at Durham £0 4 

Expenses at ye Ferry (over 

the Lehigh) 

Expenses at John Lefevre's 

with Mr. Scull 2 2 

Expenses at John Lefevre's 

after Mr. Scull left me 1 12 

May 14. 
Paid Jacob Bess, 31/2 days..£0 10 6 

George Reimell 10 

Christian Miller 11 

21 
Adam Mergell, 21/2 days... 7 6 

Henry Weidner, 2 days 6 

George Reimell in all, 5 days 5 

Philip Reimell, 3 days 9 

William Marks, 3 days 9 

Albert Valtin, 6V2 days 19 6 

v^onrad Valtin. 4 days 12 

Melchoir Young, 2 days... 6 

Elias Detrick, 3 days 9 

Sebastian Keiser, 2 days ... 6 

Peter Best, 2 days 6 

Jacob Cough, 5 days 15 

Bernhard Walter, 3 days ... 9 

Mich'l Blass, 3 days 9 

Conrad Menger, 3 days 9 

£8 18 6 
May 21st, 1752. 

Christian Piper, 8 days £1 4 

Philip Piper, 6 days 18 



Jacob Nierpas, 5V^ days 16 

Garrett Snyder, 31/2 days... 10 6 

Christian Miller, 2 days more 6 

Peter Hess, 71/2 uays 12 6 

Henry Hess, 5 days 15 

George Koon, 8 days 1 4 

Anto Ezer, 6i^ days 19 6 

Melchoir Hay, 61/2 days 19 6 

Wra. Fulber, 8 days 14 

Philip Reimell, 1 day 3 

Geo. Reimell, 1 day 3 

Isaac Lefever, IV^ days 4 6 

George Stengell, 7 days 110 



11 11 
Pd. Jacob Cough for Board.. 2 2 
Paid Patterson for going ex- 
press to Messrs. Brodhead, 

Depue & VanAten.- 5 

Paid John Chapman on ac- 
count of running the coun- 
ty line 10 

£23 18 
Woodcutters. 
June — John McMichell on 

Acct. of Boards 10 

June 15 — Melchoir Young.. 5 

June 20th pd Anto Ezer 2 15 

Aug. 13th pd ye Sawyer for 

boards, &c 4 6 

Aug. 15 pd Anto Ezer 5 8 

Pd John Finley, mason on 
account by order of ye 

trustees 5 8 

Aug. 18 pd John Chapman 

for boards 3 4 

Aug 20th pd for raising the 
house, George & Michael 

Reimell 6 12 6 

John Lefevre's, where the surveyors 
boarded, was a public house or tavern 
located neai' the present borough of 
Stockertown. The stream which flows 
through the northern and eastern bor- 
der of this town and joins the Bush- 
kill, (or Tatamy's Creek, as it was 
called in olden times) near Tatamy, 
has for a century and a half borne the 
name of "Lefevre's Creek." 

The following letter, (without date) 
was doubtless written about the time 
the survey of Easton was completed, 
and the lots thrown into the market 
for sale. It is addressed to Richard 
Peters, who was the secretary of the 
Penns, and looked after their inter- 

"It was about 11 o'clock yesterday 
when your Instructions by Mr. Jones 
came to hand and I had but just time 
to read them over when Mr. James 
Scull came with yours of the 23rd. 
The weather had been so unfavorable 
ever since you left Easton that it was 
not without Difficulty that the streets 
were got in any tolerable order against 
the time appointed, and Mr. Jones 

7 



staying so late that morning gave me 
some pain lest he would not come at 
all that Day, and a great number of 
People would be thereby disappointed 
but upon his appearance their appre- 
hensions were removed. But you will 
easily imagine that I was under 
great Difficulties when I read over the 
abstract of the Proprietai-y's letter & 
saw the Plan agreeable to it sent me 
by the Surveyor Gen'l especially as I 
saw it absolutely necessary to make 
some alterations in it. It was now 
about one of the Clock and a multitude 
of People waiting in expectation to 
have the Lots shown them. While I 
was contriving how to dismiss them 
without giving offence. How well I 
succeeded those that were lookers on 
can but say. This I can assure you 
that I managed things to the best of 
my abilities. And about 30 had their 
names entered who all promised to 
build this Fall or at least to make 
large preparations for building next 
Spring. There are 140 appliers in all 
who also seem very much in earnest 
to build. The Persons most disap- 
pointed were such as had been most 
active in obtaining the County. The 
greatest number of the appliers yes- 
terday were Germans some of them 
of my old acquaintance men in good 
circumstances. As I propose to be in 
Philadelphia next Monday or Tuesday 
shall refer the next bill I shall have 
the satisfaction to relate it by word 
of mouth. I am 

WILLIAM PARSONS. 

The summer and autumn of 1752 
were doubtless busy ones at "The 
Forks," but by early winter, Mr. Par- 
sons, whom the Penns had selected to 
represent them on the ground, remov- 
ed to Baston. I'he following letter is 
interesting in that it minutely de- 
scribes the situation of affairs in the 
first year of your city's history. Par- 
sons was not without faith and pinned 
it to the new jail, the completion of 
which he hoped would increase the 
population of the infant town. 

Easton, December 8th, 1752. 
Richard Peters, Esq. 

Sir: Upon removing my Family to 
this place, my thoughts have been 
more engaged in considering the cir- 
cumstances of this Infant Town than 
ever, as well with regard to its neigh- 
borhood, as the Probability there is 
of its being furnished with Provisions 
from the Inhabitants near about it, 
and if there already is, or probably 
may in time be, a sufficient number of 
settlers to carry on any considerable 
Trade with the Town. For without 
these it is not likely that it will be 
improved to any great height, as well 



with regard to the town itself, that is 
to say, its Situation, as to Health, 
Trade and Pleasantness. Easton is 
situate in the tork of the River Dela- 
ware, exactly in that part of the Fork 
where the two main branches meet, 
and is bounded on the South by the 
West Branch and on the East with the 
main Branch of the River which runs 
in this place, nearly North and South, 
about 120 Perches to a very pleasant 
Brook of Water called Tattamy's 
Creek, which bounds the Town to the 
North. On the West it is bounded by 
a pretty high hill that runs nearly 
parallel to and at the distance of 130 
perches from the Main Branch. The 
Site of the Town is pleasant and very 
agreeable, the Banks of all the Waters 
bounding it are high and clean, and if it 
was as large again as it is being now 
about 100 acres, it might be said to be 
a very beautiful place for a town. It 
is true that it is surrounded on every 
side by very high hills, which make 
it appears under some disadvantages at 
a Distance, and might give some occa- 
sion for suspicion of its not being very 
healthy. But during all the last sum- 
mer, which was very dry, and the Fall 
which has been remarkably wet, I 
don't know that any one has been vis- 
ited with the Fever or any other sick- 
ness, notwithstanding most of the Peo- 
ple have been much exposed to the 
night air and wet weather. FrOm 
whence I make no Difficulty to con- 
clude the Place is and will continue 
very healthy, As to the external ad- 
vantages or Disadvantages of the 
town, I am not sufficiently acquainted 
with the country to enumerate them 
all. The most conspicuous are the ad- 
jacent Rivers. The main Branch in 
some seasons of the year is navigable 
for small craft from near 100 miles 
above the town to Philadelphia, and 
if it were cleared in some places of 
the rocks which impede the Naviga- 
tion in the summer season above as 
well as below, the Town (and I have 
been told that it is practicable in some 
good measure to clear them), the Ad- 
vantage that would accrue from the 
Trade to and from Philadelphia must 
be very considerable, as water carriage 
is much cheaper, and, in respect 
to several kinds of Mercht. Goods 
much safer than Land Carriage and 
in Regard to the Trade up the River 
that would likewise be very advantage- 
ous to the town, as well as to the coun- 
try in general even in the single arti- 
cle of Lumber, as there is great plenty 
of almost all kinds of Timber above 
the Mountains, where there is also 
many good conveniences for erecting 
Saw Mills, and several are built there 



already. From whence the Town 
might readily be supplied with Boards, 
Scantling, etc. The West Branch will 
also be of advantage to the town, as it 
is navigable several miles for small 
craft. And Tattamy's Creek being a 
good stream of Water to erect Mills 
upon, will also contribute towards the 
advancement of the Place. The Jer- 
sey side being at present more settled 
near the River, opposite to the Forks, 
than the Pennsylvania Siae, and in- 
deed the Land on that side is better 
watered and more convenient for Set- 
tlements, than it is on this Side for 
several miles about Easton. We have 
been supplied as much or more from 
that side, as from our own. But how, 
Mr. John Cox's Project of laying out 
a town upon his Land adjoining Mr. 
Martin's Land, is hard to say, and 
time only can obviate. But notwith- 
standing the advantages already men- 
tioned, and perhaps many have been 
escaped my notice, it must be confest 
that the town labours under several 
considerable disadvantages. The first 
that offers, I mention with Submis- 
sion, is the great Tract of Land called 
the dry Land, to the Westward of the 
Town. This with another Tract ad- 
joining the Town to the Northward, 
being all together about 20,000 acres, 
is almost the only part of the Country 
that, by its nearness to the 'lown, 
were it settled and improved, could 
conveniently and readily afford a con- 
stant Supply of Provisions of all kinds, 
especially the smaller kinds which 
would not be so convenient for Per- 
sons who lived more remote to fur- 
nish to the Westward and Northward 
of the dry Lands, are the Moravian 
Settlements, about eleven miles from 
the town. These Settlements are not 
only of no advantage, but rather a 
great Disadvantage to tne town. For 
being an entire and separate interest 
by themselves, corresponding only 
with one another where they can pos- 
sibly avoid it except where the Advan- 
tage is evidently in their Favour, it 
can't be expected that the Town 
should reap any Benefit from them. 
Besides, as they have not hitherto 
raised, and as their Number is con- 
tinually encreasing by the yearly in- 
crease of Foreigners, it is not likely 
that they will, in time to come, raise 
sufficient Provision for themselves, but 
are obliged to purchase great Quanti- 
ties from their neighbours, who would 
otherwise bring it to the Town, but 
this is not to be expected while they 
can dispose of what they have to sell 
so much nearer home. And this leads 
me to wish, for the good of Easton, 
if the Honourable the Proprietaries 



should include to have the dry Lands 
improved, that it may not be disposed 
of to the Moravians. Not because they 
are Moravians, but because their inter- 
est interferes so much with the Inter- 
est of the Town, ii the dry Lands 
should be settled cniefly by them, the 
Master Brethren would have the 
whole Direction and Disposal of all 
that should be raised there. Which 
would be more discouraging and worse 
to the Town, than if that Land were 
not inhabited at all. For as long as it 
remains uncultivated, it will serve for 
range for town cattle. Between the 
Town and the Mountains, which is 
about 16 miles, is mostly poor Land, 
and mostly thin settled. The other 
side of the Mountain consists chiefly 
of new Settlements except the Mini- 
sinks and some other Plantations near 
the river. But very probably in time 
they will contribute to the Advance- 
ment and Trade of the Town. On the 
South Side of the West Branch the 
Country is the most and best settled 
except near the Town where the land 
is very hilly and stony. Upon the 
whole,the Town has hitherto been very 
well supplied with Meal, Beef, Pork, 
Mutton, Butter, Turnips, etc. But how 
it will be supplied with Hay and Pas- 
turage, I can't yet clearly forsee. I 
mean if the Town increases as I am 
in great hopes it will. For this Winter 
I think we are pretty well provided. 
However, this leads me to mention 
Out-Lots, which will be more particu- 
larly wanted here than at any of the 
other new Country Towns, as they are 
all of them much better accommodated 
with Meadow Ground, near about them, 
than this Town is. If I might presume 
to speak my Opinion, and I know you 
expect I should, if I speak at all, I 
could wish that a sufficient Quantity 
of the dry Lands might be appropriat- 
ed for Out-Lots, and that all the Rest 
were to be settled and improved and 
that by Dutch People; altho' they were 
of the poorer sort of them. I don't 
mention Dutch People from any par- 
ticular Regard that I have for them 
more than for other People. But be- 
cause they are generally more labor- 
ious and comformable to their Circum- 
stances, than some others amongst us 
are. I need not say who they are, but 
it is an old Observation, that poor 
Gentle-Folks don't always prove the 
fittest to begin new Places, where 
Labour is chiefly wanted. I can't hear 
of any considerable Body of Clay for 
making Bricks or Potters Work, upon 
any of the Proprietary's Land 
near the Town, but upon the 
500 acre Tract which was surveyed 
for Mr. Thomas Craig, near the Town, 



I am told there is very good Clay, both 
for a Potter and Brickmaker. The QvO 
acres belongs now to one Correy, in 
Chester county. I wrote to you about 
it very largely in a former Letter. 
There is now eleven Families inEaston, 
who all propose to stay here this Win- 
ter. And when our Prison is finished, 
which there is Hopes it soon will be,as 
it is now covered in, there is great 
Probability that the number will en- 
crease before the Spring. 

I am, Sir, Your obedient, humble 
servant, WM. PARSONS. 

The eleven families referred to by 
Mr. Parsons were: 

(1.) William Parsons,hewho "rocked 
Easton in her cradle and watched over 
her infant footsteps with paternal so- 
licitude," was probably a native of 
England, born May 6, 1701, died at 
Easton December 22, 1757. He resided 
in Philadelphia prior to 1722, a shoe- 
maker by trade, and a member of 
Benjamin Franklin's "Junto Club," in 
which he passed as "a man having a 
profound knowledge of mathematics." 
In this club he was associated with 
Benjamin Franklin, John Bartram, the 
botanist, Thomas Godfrey, mathema- 
tician and inventor of the sextant, and 
others in the founding of its successor, 
the American Philosophical Society 
(still existing as America's greatest 
association of scholars), in which he 
is recorded as geographer. He was a 
founder of the Philadelphia Library, 
"the mother of all the North American 
Libraries," as Franklin called it. in 
1731, and served as director in 1732 
1733 and 1746 to 1749. He was Libra- 
rian from 1734 to 1749. He was Sur- 
veyor General of the Province of Penn- 
sylvania from August 2,1, 1741, to June 
10, 171 ■■, when ill health compelled him 
to resign, and thereupon removed to 
Lancaster, from whence he was sum- 
moned to lay out the new town at "the 
Forks," where he successively filled 
the offices of prothonotary, clerk of the 
courts, recorder, commissioners' clerk, 
justice of the peace and Major of the 
First Battalion of Provincial Troops 
during the Indian troubles (1755-57) 
and until his death. He married in 
1722 J. Christiana [Hannah] Ziedich 
(1699-1773). a native of Quedlinburg, 
Germany, who had been brought to 
Philadelphia in 1717 by an uncle of 
hers, and where she joined the Mora- 
vians. After her husband's death she 
removed to Bethlehem. They had 
issue: 

(a) Johanna Gratia [Grace] Parsons, 
born November 28, 1736, at Philadel- 
phia; married July 29, 1758, Nicholas 
Uarrison, Jr., whose views of the towns 
of Nazareth and Bethlehem, engraved 



between 1757 and 1784, are in quest to 
tills day. 

(b) Ann Molly Parsons, married 
March 31, 1756. Rev. Jacob Rogers, late 
a clergyman in the Church of England, 
but who joined the Moravians in 1752. 
and labored in the ministry in Philadel- 
phia, New York and North Carolina. 
She died at Bethabara, N. C, in 1759. 

(c) Susanna Parsons died in Phila- 
delphia October 13,1746,andwas buried 
in the Potter's Field. 

(d) Juliana Parsons, the youngest 
daughter of William Parsons, the 
founder of Easton, was born in Phila- 
delphia. In 1767 she married Timothy 
Horsfield, Jr. (1732-1789). They had 
issue. A son, Joseph Horsfield, delegate 
issue, a son Joseph Horsfield, delegate 
to the Pennsylvania Convention to rat- 
ify the Federal Constitution in 1787, 
and the first postmaster of Bethlehem, 
had a daughter who married Christian 
Jacob Wolle, of Bethlehem, well known 
as a botanist. 

Their daughter married Rev. Fran- 
cis Holland, a Moravian minister, and 
their son is Rev. William J. Holland, 
Ph. D., LL. D., a distinguished Presby- 
terian divine, and Scientist, Chancellor 
of the Western University of Pennsyl- 
vania, and Director of the Carnegie 
Museum, Pittsburg, Pa. 

(2.) Lewis Gordon, the first lawyer 
admitted to the courts of Northampton 
county. Commanded a company of 
i rovincial troops at Easton during the 
Indian troubles. He entered into the 
Revolutionary War with every promise 
of remaining loyal, but in 1777, when 
the success of the American party 
seemed doubtful, he proved defective. 
In the following year he died, leaving 
at least one son and a daughter, the 
latter the wife of James Taylor, son of 
George Taylor, the Signer of the Decla- 
ration of Independence. A descendant 
through the latter line is Capt. Wil- 
liam Gordon McCabe, of Richmond.Va., 
a graduate of the University of Vir- 
ginia, a Doctor of Letters from Har- 
vard, an officer in the Confederate 
Army, 1861-65, founder and for thirty- 
five years Principal of the University 
School, Petersburg, and afterwards at 
Richmond, Va., and a distinguished 
author and speaker. 

(3.) Henry Allshouse, carpenter. 

(4.) Abraham Berlin, smith. 

(5.) Nathaniel Vernon, ferryman. 

(6.) William Craig and John Ander- 
son, tavernkeepers. 

(7.) Paul Miller, tavernkeeper. 

(8.) Ernest Becker, baker. 

(9.) Anthony Esser, butcher. 

(10.) John Finley, mason. 

(11.) Meyer Hart, shopkeeper. 

Concerning the descendants of these 



10 



I may refer to them in future contribu- 
uons. 

That Mr. Parsons, in his trials, pro- 
vided himself with spiritual comfort is 
manifested by the following letter: 
Easton, March 26th, 1753. 

Mr. Jasper Paine. — Sir: I herewith 
send you a Cagg to be filled with new 
beer, that it may ferment in the Cask, 
there is already some Scurvy Grass 
and horse Raddish in the Cagg that 
should be fermented with the Beer for 
Diet Drink. Please to let me know if 
you expect that any waggon will come 
soon this way from Bethlehem, if so 
the Cagg may be put in it and brought 
here, if not I will send for it. I have 
also sent a Gun Lock which is out of 
order. It wants a screw and the Ham- 
mer is too soft. I wish it could be 
maae harder or that a new one was 
made. The expense I will very cheer- 
fully pay. I am, Sir, Yr very humble 
ser\^ant, 

WM. PARSONS. 

Friend Lukens showed his interest 
in the internal improvements of the 
new town, and incidentally (?) towards 
bettering his own financial condition, 
by early suggesting to Mr. Parsons, a 
partnership in the erection of water 
works : 

Horsham, July 30, 1753. 

Esteemed Friend. — I hope These 
may find Thee and Thy family in 
health. And I should be glad to here 
that thou had Obtained a grant for 
that piece of Land adjoining your 
Town, that hath the Convenience of 
having Waterworks erected thereon. 
And that we could join in Partnership 
in erecting same thereon according to 
our former proposals, And as I appre- 
hend it would be of some advantage 
to the owners in Perticuler, as well 
as to your Town in general if the same 
could be accomplished before some- 
thing of the Like be erected in the 
Jerseys nearly opposit to it. 

So having nothing more to add but 
Requesting a line or two by way of an- 
swer, I remain, thine to serve, 

JOHN LUKENS. 

P. S. — I have just now heard that 
the Merchants and others in Philada. 
are come to a Resolution that pieces 
of 8 shall pass for 8 & other silver & 
Gold coin accordingly. 

I To William Parsons.] 

The location of a burial place for the 
new town was suggested in the follow- 
ing letter. The site referred to as the 
one most desirable is the one long in 
use, and recently acquired as the loca- 
tion for the new Library building: 
Easton, November the 17th, 1754. 

Richd. Peters, Esqr. — Sir: By the 



abstract from the Honble the Proprie- 
tor's Letter of the 10th June, 1754, it 
appears that the Place proposed for 
a burying ground, was not described 
with sufficient clearness. In the Plan 
of Easton and the out-Lots with the 
Ferry Land in the Jerseys there is the 
Letter (A) written a little to the West- 
ward of the Westernmost Street [Juli- 
anna, now Fifth street] of Easton and 
about 250 feet to the Northward of 
Northampton Street continued West- 
ward through the out lots towards 
Bethlehem. Where this letter (A) 
stands and not over the Run [present 
Easton Cemetery is located here] is 
the place which Mr. Turner, when he 
was last at Easton, thought the most 
proper for a burying Ground, if it was 
not too stony for digging [until re- 
cently the German Reformed burial 
grounds]. In the same Plan on the 
North Side of the Creek is written (A 
is thought the most proper place for a 
burying ground) meaning the (A) 
above mentioned. The out lots shall 
be altered according to Directions and 
nothing shall be wanting, on my part, 
to encourage the People to take them 
as well as the Lots in Town. For my 
own Part I think the Rent easy and be- 
lieve the People in general will think 
so too: but in new Settlements, like 
this, there will ever be some disaffect- 
ed Persons who out of meer pervers- 
ness of Temper will stir up the People 
against the most reasonable Proposi- 
tions. The Land on the North Side 
Oi the Creek opposite to the Town is 
so beautifully situated tuat Doctr 
Graeme when he was last here called 
it Belle Videre. I had rather that my 
Lady Julianna's [Penn] Name should 
grace it. This place I propose should 
be kept entire until we shall be so 
happy as to see the Honble the Pro- 
prietor here. I have spent a good 
deal of time to discover the Lines of 
the Lands adjacent and near to Easton 
and find there is a Tract of Land about 
1.8414 Acres adjoining the West End 
of the out-Lots and the Land surveyed 
for Thomas Craig. This I have great 
reason to think has not been surveyed 
for any Person and that it still belongs 
to the Proprietaries. It is pretty 
rough and Hilly but about one half of 
it at least will do very well to lay out 
into out Lots when there is further oc- 
casion. Inclosed you have a Draught 
of it and if it is, as I think it is, there 
will be no occasion to go over the 
Creek for out Lots. If you can find a 
suitable place in your Letter when you 
are writing to the Honble the Proprie- 
taries 1 lease to give my most Humble 
Compliments to them. I am, Sir, Your 
obedient, humble servant, 



11 



WM. PARSONS. 
To Richard Peters, Esquire, Phila- 
delphia. 

The establishment of a school early 
attracted the attention of the settlers 
in Easton. A society had been formed 
in England and Germany for the in- 
struction of the children of such set- 
tlers in Pennsylvania, and the fund 
was distributed by trustees, of which 
the Rev. William Smith, D. D., Provost 
of the University of Pennsylvania, 
was one. The following petition for 
aid towards erecting a school building 
and engaging a teacher was sent to 
the trustees of this fund: 
To the Honble the Trustees General 
appointed for the management of 
the Charitable Scheme carrying on 
by a Society of Noblemen and Gen- 
tlemen in London for the Relief and 
Instruction of poor Germans and 
their Descendants settled in Penn- 
sylvania. 
The Petition of divers poor Germans 
settled in and about Easton the 
County Town of Northampton in be- 
half of themselves and other poor 
Germans. 

Most humbly Sheweth: That your 
Petitioners being of the Lutheran; Re- 
formed and other Protestant Religious 
Persuasions and being entirely des- 
titute of Ministers and School Mas- 
ters are under the greatest apprehen- 
sions and Danger of having our Chil- 
dren brought up in this distinguished 
Protestant Christian Country almost 
entirely without the knowledge for 
want of a School for their Instruction 
and as we are all of us new Settlers 
and have expended our little sub- 
stance upon necessary Habitations for 
ourselves and Families, many of which 
are not yet finished and most of us 
behind Hand for those that are. 

Therefore We are not able in our 
present circumstances to support the 
charge and expense of erecting a 
School House and paying a School Mas- 
ter to officiate in teaching our Children 
to read and instructing them in the 
Principles of the holy Christian Re- 
ligion Nevertheless having much at 
heart the future welfare of our own 
and our neighbours' Children we have 
laid aside all Differences of Religious 
k^eptiments most humbly and unani- 
mously to pray your Honours would 
be pleased to make us such an allow- 
ance towards building a suitable 
School House and paying a pious sober 
English School Master as to you (up- 
on a true Information of our present 
low circumstances) shall seem meet 
and we engage on our Parts that we 
will do, and even exceed, all that can 
be expected from Persons in such low 



Circumstances towards building a 
House for accomodating the School 
Master in Easton aforesaid And as in 
Duty bound shail every pray, &c. 

It appears from the following letter 
that Mr. Parsons had his own separate 
views of the building and conducting 
the intended school in a letter to Rich- 
ard Peters, Esq., dated, Easton, No- 
vember 23, 1754. He writes as fol- 
lows: 

Sir: X am under some difficulties 
about the plan of a school house, but 
am very clear in opinion that what- 
ever house is built it will not do e%ea 
to suffer any of the people to contrib- 
ute either money or labor towards it. 
They are so perverse and quarrelsome 
in all their alTairs that I am sometimes 
ready to query with myself whether 
it be men or beasts that the generous 
benefactors are about to civilize. 
Upon the least difference that shall 
hereafter happen amongst them (and 
they are perpetually differing even to 
rage about the most minute and trifl- 
ing matters), they would not fail to 
upraid each oiner with having done 
more than the other towards the build- 
ing and this will be carried on with so 
much rancor on both sides that the 
conclusion will be that neither will 
suffer their children to go to school if 
txie children of the other go there, 
beeing so many and so great person- 
ages out of tneir abundant humanity 
and goodness have thought fit to set 
about so benevolent an undertaking. 
I will not be negligent in assisting in 
whatever the trustees may desire, 
tnough it seems to me like attempting 
to wash a Blackamore white which 
however I must confess it is said has 
been effected in five or six generations 
in some five instances. 

This I am very well assured of, that 
whoever is in any way concerned in 
buiiuing and ordering the schools in- 
stead of being gratefully treated, will 
be exposea to perpetual abuse and in- 
sults and tne most ignominious kind 
of treatment from those very persons 
whose good they are laboring. I say 
this as the real sentiments of my mind, 
and not to discourage or to show any 
unwillingness to do the utmost of 
my abilities whatever the gentlemen 
trustees shall desire of me in the af- 
fair, and I think as mothers have the 
principal direction in bringing up 
young c-.ldren, it would be of little 
purpose that the father can taik Elng- 
lish, if the mother speaks nothing but 
Dutch [Pennsylvania German] to 
them, in this case the children will 
speak their mother's tongue. It there- 
fore seems to me to be quite necessary 
that there should be school mistresses. 



12 



as well as Masters aiid the girls should 
be taught the use of their needles as 
well as to read and write (if writing 
shall be thought necessary for girls). 
By the use of their needles the mis- 
tress will have an opportunity to make 
uiem in love with the English dress 
and this will be a great point gained 
to their speaking the English. I need 
not mention how industrious young 
men generally are to appear to speak 
the language which is most agreeable 
to the female world in low as well as 
high life, for nature is the same in 
every station and we only differ in the 
manner as we are differently educated. 
When I was last in town, [Philadel- 
phia,] besides Mr. Gordon [Lewis Gor- 
don], I mentioned Peter Trex- 
ler, Esq., and Mr. John Lefe- 
bre, if you think more are 
necessary I don't know any 
better than James Martin, 

iiisqre. Mr. [John] Chapman seems 
at present very desirous of mov- 
ing into this county. Paul Miller ap- 
pears to me in all his conduct here, the 
most prudent best natural understand- 
ing man in Easton whether English or 
Dutch, but he is a professed Roman 
Catholic, which is, I imagine, ^n in- 
superable objection to him. Mr. Trex- 
ler is a very sober orderly worthy Gen- 
tleman, and as he lives in Macungie, 
which is the best settled part of the 
county, will be very useful if the 
school be kept sometimes at Easton, 
and at other times in some other part 
•Oi. the county. Mr. Michael More 
lives near Easton, but there are some 
small objections to him. You may at 
any time alter or add to the number as 
you see cause and as suitable persons 
■offer. I have not mentioned any of the 
Moravians, supposing them to be as 
exceptionable as the open and pro- 
fessed Roman Catholics are. 

WM. PARSONS. 

Thomas Penn, under date of Febru- 
ary 26, 1755, wrote to Governor Hamil- 
ton on the subject of schools: 

"The accounts we have received of 
the success of the trustees for German 
schools gives us great satisfaction and 
we hope will be a means of opening 
their eyes and informing their under- 
standings that they not be led by the 
nose as they have been and I think 
while there is any expectation of that 
sort, great care should be taken not 
to sour them by any general reflec- 
tions, etc. 

The Trustees of the Fund, through 
Dr. Smith, subscribed £30, the other 
subscribers in money, materials and 
labor being as noted in the following 
copy of the original subscription list: 

We the Subscribers being truly sen- 



sible of the great Advantages our Pos- 
terity may reap from the excellant 
Charitable Scheme lately formed in 
England for the Education of Protest- 
ant youth in Pennsylvania and being 
extremely desirous to encourage and 
promote the same as far as in our pow- 
er lies, have engaged and agreed & 
hereby do engage & agree to & with 
Wm. Parsons, James Martin, Peter 
Traxler, Esqrs., John Lefever, Lewis 
Gordon, Peter Kechline, Deputy trus- 
tees mentioned & appointed by the 
Trustees General of the said Charit- 
£^ble Scheme, that each of us shall & 
will pay the sum of money and do and 
perform the work. Labor & Service in 
the building and erecting a School 
House (which may occasionally be 
made up of as a church for any Pro- 
testant Minister) to our names here- 
under respectively set down & affixed. 
iJated at Easton the 31st day of July 
Anno Dom: 1755. 
Myer Hart, 20 lbs. Nails. 

Paul Reeser, 1,000 Shingles. 

Jacob Miner, 12 days' work. 

Henry Rinker, 30 Bushels of Lime. 

Stephen Horn, 1 week's work. 

Henry Alshouse, 5 Days' work. 

John Horn, 5 Days' work. 

John Finly, 6 Days' Do. 

Barthw Hoffman, 5 Do Mason work. 

John Nicholas Reder, 1 Week's work. 

30 Waggons stone digging by Henry 
Bush & John Weidman. 

Jno George Bush, 5 Days' carpenter 
work. 

Jacob Krotz, 5 Do. 

Thos. Harris, 50 Sash lights. 

Jno Chapman, 3 days carting stone. 

Robert Miller, 4 days Mason work. 
James Fuller, 5 days' stone digging. 

£ s. d. 
William Smith in Behalf of 

the Proprietor & Trustees30 

Wm. Parsons 5 

Lewis Gordon 3 

Nicholas Scull 3 

Natii. Vernon 3 

Peter Kechline 2 

Christn Rinker 1 

Jacob Bachman 1 

Jacob Miner 1 

Adam Yohe 10 

Ludwig Knows 10 

Lewis Klotz 10 

Henry Becker 7 6 

George Michael Shortz 15 

Jno Sevitz 15 

Anthony Esor 15 

Charles Reichart 15 

Jno Wagle 10 

George Ernst Becker 1 

John Rinker 10 

N. N 7 6 

Daniel Geese 5 

Jeremiah Condy RussqI ..... 1 1 



13 



Paul Miller 1 5 

John Fricker 16 

The location and description of the 
first school house in Easton comes to 
us from an authentic source. The 
writer of this has personally examined 
a manuscript written fifty years ago, 
by a man who was born eight years 
before the building was removed, and 
who conversed with many who had 
attended therein the teachings of 
School Master Helliek and others. A 
drawing of it was some years ago in 
possession of the Mattes family of 
Easton. 

The building was of logs, one story 
high, with a cellar, and contained three 
rooms; the front was occupied as a 
school room, and the two rear rooms 
by the teacher and his family. Relig- 
ious sei-vices were held occasionally 
in the school room before the comple- 
tion of the stone church edifice (First 
Reformed) adjoining. Its site was 
distant a few feet east of the church, 
and was one of the first buildings on 
the present Church street. 

The first teacher was a Mr. Helliek, 
and afterwards the father of the late 
Philip H. Mattes of Easton, wielded 
the rod until or about 1794, when the 
school expanded into the Easton Union 
Academy, and the first schoolhouse in 
Easton after 1798 became a memory. 

Rupp's History of Northampton 
County (p. 394-5), published in 1845, 
describes the first school house of Eas- 
ton as above, and adds "the vane which 
swung over the first school house in 
Easton is the only relick preserved." 
I would like to hear from any who may 
remember this vane, with a description 
of it, and if it still exists it should 
have safe and permanent lodgment 
somewhere — the hall of your present 
( /) County Historical Society I would 
not consider to be such a place. 

In lieu of the water works proposed 
by friend Lukens, the proprietaries 
concluded to dig a public well, and the 
following is the expense thereof as 
per payments made by William Par- 
sons and Paul Miller, who were in 
charge of the construction thereof. 
The well was located on the "Square," 
and in 1807, when the pump was re- 
moved therefrom it had become such 
a nuisance, and a menace to the safe- 
ly of persons, especially to straggling 
children, that the attention of the 
County Commissioners was publicly 
called to it. 

Well in Northampton Street, Easton, 
to William Parsons and Paul Miller. 

Dr. 
For Cash paid and Sundries supplied 

by Paul Miller as followeth, viz: 



Paid Conrad Geesey 17 

Supplied a bucket 2 

Paid towards a frame 7 

Christian Moser &c 1 7 

Supplied 5 lbs. Powder 12 

Supplied Brimstone 

Diet for Christn Moser &c 3 

Powder 3 

Candles 5 

Paid Henry Koonsman 2 17 

Michael Summer 3 

Supplied the Masons List 3 

Paid Godfrey Grieber 11 7 

George Stengell 5 13 

Frederick Reits 17 9 

Henry Rohn 15 6 

George Stengell 1 8 

Supplied Rum, &c., to the 

workmen 2 18 6 

Paid Christian Moser 4 

Paid Michael Summer 17 6 

£26 7 3 
By William Parsons. 

Paid Conrad Geesey £0 6 9 

Anthony Ezer 7 6 

Conrad Geesey 3 

Christian Moser & Godfrey 

Greiber 10 10 9 

Supplied a Well Bucket 2 9 

Paid Abraham Goodwin 7 

Conrad Geesey 3 10 

John Guy 1 11 

Henry Koonsman 5 5 9 

the same 1 17 

Michael Summer 4 7 6 

George Stengell ". 1 15 

Jaspar Scull 2 9 

Henry Reickert 18 

John Tricker, for Gunpow- 
der 1 11 6 

Nathl Vernon, for do 12 

Supplied Caudles 3 

Paid John Lefever for Pow- 
der 6 

Blias Teeter 2 4 

Frederick Reits 2 9 

Henry Rohn 10 9 

Paul Miller 1 6 

Paid William Lawrence 12 

Supplied Iron Handles, Gudge 

& Rings for the windless. . 12 6 
A Rope of English Hemp, 

10 fathom long 13 6 

Paid Henry Richey for wheel- 
ing earth 9 

41 5 9 



£67 13 

Besides the sum of £4:10: 10 1^ 

which Mr. .Jaspar Scull contributed & 

paid in smith work wch is not brought 

into the above acct. 

Errors excepted this 1st Septr., 1775, 
by WM. PARSONS. 

By cash reed on Behalf of the 



14 



Honble Propries £20 

By Do of George Michael 

Sohortz 2 

By Do of Jeremiah Traxler 2 

By Do of Ludwig Knows ... 2 

By Do of Ernst Becker 1 10 

By a note from Valentine 

Opp for 3 

By cash of John Switzer. . . . 1 10 

By do of Stephen Horn 1 10 

By do of John Tricker 2 

By do of do another lot. ... 5 

By do of Mary Neise 2 

By do of Henry Allshouse. . 1 10 



44 

Balance due to W. P., 8 P. 

M 23 13 

Besides the above several small 
sums have since been paid towards 
repairing the well amounting to 
£1:2:6. 

And several have promised to pay, 
viz: 

Nicholas Scull £3 

Jacob Miner 3 

Joseph Grove 15 

Which when paid shall be entered 
on the Credit Side of the Acct. 



ANNE ROYALL'S VISIT TO EASTON 

AND NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, 
PA., IN 1828. 

A spicy and interesting account of 
a trip made from Philadelphia to Eas- 
ton, and vicinity, in 1828, appears in 
"Mrs. Royall's Pennsylvania," now a 
rare publication. 

It was re-printed, in part, in an Eas- 
ton newspaper some years ago, but the 
gossipy style and originality of descrip- 
tion, together with references to peo- 
ple and customs of the past, warrant 
its entire reproduction in these an- 
nals. 

Anne Royall, the writer, was a well 
known, and much shunned character 
at the National Capitol three quarters 
of a century ago, when she published 
on Capitol Hill, a small weekly sheet 
called the "Washington Paul Pry," and 
afterwards the "Huntress." She had 
a dislike for preachers and missionar- 
ies, especially those of the Presbyter- 
ian faith. 

President John Quincy Adams de- 
scribed her as going about "like a 
virago-errant in enchanted armor, re- 
deeming herself from the cramps of 
indigence by the notoriety of her ec- 
centricities and the forced currency 
they gave to her publications." 

John W. Forney described her as 
"the horror of politicians and especial- 
ly of Congressmen . I can see her now 
tramping through the hall of the Cap- 
itol, umbrella in hand, seizing upon 
every passer-by and offering her book 



for sale. Any public man who refused 
to buy was certain of a severe philip- 
pic in her newspaper." At last she 
became so unendurable that she was 
formally indicted by the grand jury as 
a common scold and was tried in the 
Circuit Court, and sentenced to be 
ducked according to the English law 
in force in the District of Columbia, 
but she was released with a fine. She 
died in 1854, aged eighty-five. 

JOURNEY TO EASTON. 

Upon consulting my friends respect- 
ing my tour, the principal objects be- 
ing submitted, it was determined I 
should go direct to Easton, particular- 
ly as I obstinately refused to give up 
Mauch Chunk, so famous for its wild 
scenery. Most of my friends said it 
was a remote place; rough road — on 
the verge of the State — greatly out of 
my way — and what is my way if it be 
not to see the country ? —and Mauch 
Chunk, of which I had heard so much, 
became the pivot of my tour, in spite 
of the bad roads and out of the ways. 

Fortunately the evening preceding 
my departure, I met with a Mr. Hewit, 
whom I had often seen before, 
he also being a tourist. Mr. Hewit 
very politely furnished me with a 
travelling map, and other useful di- 
rection, in which the towns, distances, 
mountains, rivers, etc., were accurate- 
ly marked. Mr. Hewit publishes a 
very useful monthly journal, of roads, 
distances, post offices, newspapers, 
editors, etc., etc., and makes frequent 
tours through the United States for 
the purpose. He is also a good and 
professed teacher of Penmanship, and 
quite an intelligent, useful man. I 
have met with him in various parts of 
the United States, on this business. 

Thus prepared, on the evening of the 
13th October, 1828, I sent my trunks to 
the stage office, kept at Rotterdam 
Hotel, 124 North Fourth street, and 
engaged a seat in the stage to Easton, 
75 miles from Philadelphia, through 
in one day, fare, $3. The ensuing day, 
14th, was the day appointed for the 
Presidential election in Philadelphia, 
and throughout the State (if I am not 
mistaken), so at six o'clock I made 
my escape. 

It was just dawning when I arrived 
at tlie stage office, but the door being 
still shut, and no stage in readiness, I 
took a seat with an elderly female, up- 
on the piaza before the door. The 
lady, it appeared, was going in the 
same coach, and had arrived at the 
office a few minutes before me. I dis- 
covered she was an old maid at first 
sight, and though rather prejudiced 
against old maids, as we were to be 
fellow travellers, I struck up an ac- 



15 



quaintance, and in about two minutes 
time I discovered what nine times out 
of ten always happens, which was that 
my coachmate was a missionary. Poor 
thing, she had a hard time of it, for of 
all classes. I have the least kindness 
for those sort of women. She would 
have been agreeable, had she not been 
a priest-lover; she had a pleasing 
countenance, though an ignorant wo- 
man of course. But when she said 
"she loved good people" — meaning the 
priests, doubtless, it sickened me. 
What thanks .^ave we if we love one 
another ? We are commanded to love 
our enemies! The heathen; just 
as I had opened the battery upon her, 
to her great relief the stage arrived, 
the door opened, and my trunks being 
produced we rattled away up North 
Fourth street, into the old York road. 

We took in an indifferent, foppish 
young man at the stagerhouse, who, 
and our two selves, completed the 
number of passengers. The old maid 
made a shabby appearance — no won- 
der, when she must support pious 
young men — she an old woman! 

She wore an old scooped black leg- 
horn on her head, a rusty old black 
cloth shawl round her shoulders, an 
old two parts worn bombazett, I be- 
lieve though I am not acquainted with 
fashionable names. She was lean, 
crooked and stoop shouldered — her 
face was long (I never saw a round- 
faced missionary yet) and wrinkled — 
her cheek was shrunken and her com- 
plexion yellow. The coach was open 
in front — now I think of it, it must 
have been a stage waggon all the time. 
The morning was cold and raw, the 
wind blew a gale — the old maid shiv- 
ered with cold, and pity her I did. I 
had seen the time when I too was with- 
out a cloak. But that time is past, 
nor did I work for Missionaries. I was 
now well wrapped up with a new cloak 
and warm shawls, which caused me 
to feel the more for the old maid. She 
had no baggage but a bag about the 
size of our old go-to-mill bags, which, 
like herself, was threadbare. It was 
very white and clean, however, and 
was about two-thirds full of something 
which I took to be her clothing, 
though it might have been tracts. 
When I saw her shaking with cold 
[now any man that would take a cent 
from this poor silly woman ought to 
be tried for his life] I asked her if 
she had nothing in the bag that she 
could have temporary recourse to de- 
fend her from the cold ? But she 
never agreed she was cold at all. 

While I was endeavoring to put 
priests and missionaries out of the old 
maid's head, and quoting a text of 



scripture that "he [or she] that ne- 
glects his own house is worse than an 
infidel," the driver stopped at a tav- 
ern to water, when the silly young 
man in the stage, finding I did not 
think him worth speaking to, took up- 
on himself, with sermonising look, to 
take the lady's part and spoke rather 
abruptly. When the old maid found 
she was backed by the young man, 
and finding herself, as she thought, 
supported by the appearance of two 
or three good-looking men, who were 
walking to and fro on the porch, sh© 
spoke up pretty pert, as if to induce 
the people on the porch to listen: "She 
had never seen or heard anything like 
this before in her life and had never 
travelled with such a woman." The 
first time I ever knew a missionary to 
tell truth — I laughed at the remark 
and said she had doubtless told truth 
for once. But as for the man, I told 
him, "If he addressed any of his im- 
pertinence to me I would have him ar- 
rested upon the spot." One of the 
men on the porch, who seemed to be 
the master of the tavern, addressing 
himself to me asked, "what was the 
matter," without paying the least at- 
tention at all to the other two. "Oh, 
nothing," said I, "I just happen to be 
travelling with a couple of Dr. Ely's 
church and state folks." Ah!" said 
the man, they come to the wrong 
place to complain. They and Dr. E. 
both ought to be hung, and all such 
people. None of your Sunday School 
Union folks for me. I hold with no 
such doings. I join you — you must 
be one on the right side." The old 
maid was in the act of getting out, I 
suspect to warm, but when she heard 
how matters stood she slipped back 
on her seat, and looked what she was 
— a poor hypocrite, who would just as 
soon have twisted my neck as she 
would that of a chicken, had she found 
a missionary to protect her. She would 
doubtless have said or sworn anything 
to these men had they belonged to her 
class. The men were plain, honest, 
farmer-looking Germans, whose sen- 
sible independence inspired me with 
a good opinion of the country. I heard 
more independence from these men, 
and saw more of it in their counten- 
ance than I had witnessed since I left 
the western country. I was truly as- 
tonished, and began to love Pennsyl- 
vania. The young man was complete- 
ly frightened into silence and, with the 
woman, squeezed himself up m one 
corner of the stage as though I had 
been an alligator, and they were not 
far wrong, i am always ready to snap 
off the head of a missionary since their 
attempt to convert me in Vermont. 



16 



We breakfasted at the Willow Grove 
— that is, the young man and myself; 
but the old maid was so afraid of 
spending a cent, if she had one, that 
she would not come into the breakfast 
room to warm herself, but sat in the 
barroom in the cold. I may be mis- 
taKen, but I thought I saw the bar- 
keeper making sling. I solicited her 
strongly and kindly to take breakfast, 
and would cheerfully have paid for it, 
but she steadily refused. 

We had an excellent breakfast, and 
the charge low; the people who kept 
the house were Quakers, and appeared 
to be deserving people, and the house 
neat and comfortable. I was much 
pleased with the females, of whom 
there were several. 

About 1 o'clock the old maid called 
to the driver to stop, and she got out 
in the lane, and, taking her bag under 
her arm, bid me good-bye, saying "I 
was na of her company for that time." 
I thanked her, and tne driver pro- 
ceeded. 

Meantime the young man, finding he 
was still alive, ventured to tell me he 
was "a citizen of the western part of 
New York; that he had no concern 
with tracts or missionaries; that he 
^ad purchased a drove of hogs, which 
were to meet him a few miles further 
on, at which place he also was to quit 
the stage," which accordingly he did. 

The road shortly after leaving Phila- 
delphia became rough and hilly, and 
the land rather thin; but the farms 
were well cultivated and in neat order. 
We crossed a handsome little stream 
in the forenoon, but they could not tell 
me the name of it. We also passed 
through Doylestown, a considerable 
Tillage or borough, as the small towns 
are called in Pennsylvania. Doyles- 
town is the seat of justice for Bucks 
county. I was much disappointed in 
passing through Bucks, being told that 
it was the richest county of land in the 
State. I saw but little good land, how- 
ever, but it appears the road passes 
through the poorest part of Bucks. 

We passed through several little 
towns, all of which had a Jackson 
hickory pole, with national flags flying, 
and the words "Jackson and Liberty" 
in large letters. These poles were of 
amazing height. These, with the tav- 
ern signs, served to enliven the coun- 
try. Of all countries for taverns and 
tavern signs, it exceeds — sometimes 
lions grinning frightfully at you,, and 
then the eagles seemed ready to pick 
out your eyes; bears and Turks' heads, 
I cannot tell how many. The great 
stone barns and stone houses all show 
comfort and independence. 

I was unfortunate in my last driver; 



he was drunk when he took possession 
of the stage and horses, and not con- 
tent with that he stopped at every grog 
house and tavern to get more. I at 
length threatened to get out of the 
stage and also threatened him with 
prosecution. This sobered him for a 
while. He was very good natured.and 
I must say drove very well. But he 
would sometimes lose the command 
of the horses altogether, drop to sleep 
and drop the reins. The whole of the 
way almost that fell to his share was 
very dangerous, particularly when we 
reached the river Delaware, which we 
did some miles on this side of Easton. 
Narrow deflles and our heads overhung 
by rocks, and the road almost impass- 
able for these rocks. There was an- 
other and a much better road, I was 
told afterwards, but I heard nothing of 
it in Philadelphia. 

Although I was nearly shaken to 
pieces, I could not help admiring the 
man's generosity; he seemed to know 
every person on the road, nor did he 
fail to call at every house: "Well, when 
are you coming to see Betsey? Come 
down next Sunday; we will have a 
turkey, shoat or something good. Come 
we want to see you; now be sure and 
come; we've got a plenty to eat and 
drink." The next house it would be 
the same thing. He appeared to be 
the most generous man in the world 
with Betsey and the turkeys. He in- 
formed me he had been a stage driver 
fifteen years and never had any bad 
luck but once. We arrived in Easton 
precisely at sunset! 

The approach to the town is very 
handsome. The bridges — one over the 
Delaware and one over the Schuylkill 
[Lehigh] — appear to great advantage. 
The junction of two handsome rivers, 
the town, which stands partly on an 
eminence, the public buildings. Itwas 
a perfect treat contrasted with the 
rough, rocking, rolling, running, and, 
I might add, flying and jumping of the 
stage over hills, rocks and valleys from 
6 o'clock in the morning, seventy-five 
miles, 14th of October. This was the 
^.ardest day's journey I ever traveled. 

This day I enjoyed the novelty of 
woodland to a greater extent than 
since I left the Western States, as a 
great part of the land remains to be 
cleared of the timber. 

EASTON 
is a beautiful town northwest from 
Pniladelphia, enviable from its situa- 
tion on the point of land which lies 
immediately at the junction of the 
Delaware and the Lehigh rivers, 75 
miles from Philadelphia. 

It commands an extensive view of 
these rivers. A very handsome bridge 



17 



over the Delaware, which appears of 
vast strength, and also one over the 
Lehigh. It contains one court house, 
one county house, one jail, one market 
house, four churches, two banks, one 
public library, seven merchant mills, 
one academy, nine storehouses for 
flour, &c., four oil miiiS, two saw mills, 
two breweries, one distillery and four 
thousand inhabitants. The town is 
supplied with excellent spring water, 
brought one mile through iron pipes. 
The court house is a very handsome 
stone building, and sits on a beautiful 
square in the centre of the town. The 
Ijridge over the Delaware cost $80,000, 
and for height, strength and beauty 
is a great curiosity. That over the 
Lehigh iS a chain bridge. The site of 
the town is level on the point, and for 
a short distance on the rivers, but 
rises back upon a considerable emi- 
nence, which overlooks the rivers and 
the surrounding hills, by which it is 
nearly environed. Besides the rivers, 
there is a handsome little stream, 
"Which forms an angle with the Dela- 
ware, into which it empties. This 
stream is fringed with luxuriant wil- 
lows, and also has a bridge and vari- 
ous mills. All these bridges are high 
from the water. Thus Easton is sur- 
rounded on three sides by water. 

The principal street is wide and 
straight, and running from the Dela- 
ware bridge through the heart of the 
town mounts a lofty eminence, which 
affords a most delightful view, which, 
tnough void of fertile lands, is rich in 
picturesque and variegated scenery. 

Easton is on the edge of the State, 
having only the Delaware between it 
and New Jersey. The Delaware is 
about 500 feet wide at this place, very 
limpid and runs swift, so also does the 
Lehigh, 360 feet wide. The junction 
of the two rivers is a grand display of 
beauty and water scenery. 

Easton has every appearance of 
becoming one of the first commercial 
towns in the State, and bids fair to 
outstrip all her rivals. All the Lehigh 
coal must pass through Easton. The 
-Liehigh canal, by which this coal is to 
be transported to Philadelphia and 
from thence to other places, begins at 
Easton and extends to the mines at 
Mauch Chunk, 36 miles from hence. 
This is called the Lehigh canal, which, 
including the cost expended on the 
Lehigh river, is rising $800,000! It 
lias fifty locks! This was done by the 
enterprising Messrs. White & Hazard, 
Oi the "Lehigh Coal and Navigation 
Company," at their private expense!! 
xiiey have also nearly completed a 
canal from Easton to Bristol, 50 miles, 
down the Delaware. This, independ- 



ently of the expense of the railroad 
(also the work of the company), is 
certainly without a parallel. And 
these are the ignorant Germans — some- 
thing like the Yankees and their 
molasses. I begin to think these ig- 
norant Germans have a little sound 
sense and a great deal of sound wealth 
and judgment with all their ignorance. 
This coal, called the Lehigh, has al- 
ready been transported in large quan- 
tities to Philadelphia by the means of 
boats adapted to the purpose. 

I saw great quantities of this coal 
in heaps about the river banks — also 
a number of long, flat shallow boats, 
laden with coal, lying at the landing. 
These boats are like our flats or ferry 
boats in the western country, except- 
ing that they are twice as long. Those 
I saw were heavy laden, and appeared 
to let in the water, as I saw much 
water distinctly amongst the coal. This, 
however, might have been rain, as the 
Doats were without covering. The 
canal, it is said, is nearly finished. 
This canal, communicating with the 
great Lehigh coal mines, which alone 
are (from report) of more value than 
a gold or silver mine,will be the means 
of enhancing not only real estate, but 
other property. Every article of com- 
merce and merchandise will be trans- 
ported with little cost upon the canal. 
Easton, therefore, will be the depot few 
lumber, grain, whiskey and whatever 
the farmer makes for market, and 
merchandise from the seaports will, 
for the most part, stop at this point. 

There is a very striking difference 
in the manners and appearance of the 
people (so far) of Pennsylvania and 
those States I have passed through, 
but I ought not (were it not my prac- 
tice) to draw a comparison till I had 
seen more of the State, as the best is 
yet to come. But for Easton and those 
I saw on the road, both men and wo- 
men are much stouter, the females 
particularly, are tall and heavily made, 
with round and rather large faces, but 
good eyes and good complexions and. 
very good features. The men are 
the same in appearance though rather 
darker than the women, and more, 
much more intelligent. This is not 
the case in the Eastern and Yankee 
States, the females are as well inform- 
ed as the men. Both are entirely free 
from pride, rude curiosity, or affec- 
tation, and are easy in their manners. 

Easton is settled by Germans, 
though the most of them use the EJng- 
lish language, and are well educated. 
The professional men, particularly, 
are greatly superior to those of New 
York, and not inferior (if they do not 
excell) those of any other State or 



18 



town. There is a plain unmoved 
though intelligent independence about 
them, similar to the people of the 
Western States. 

It would seem that good sense, good 
size, good manners and hospitality, 
which once distinguished Philadelphia, 
had fled for shelter to this part of the 
State; and nothing proves the truth of 
the remark more clearly than their 
freedom from priest-craft. I find no 
tracts or pious education societies 
here. They all seem to be of the same 
stamp of men I saw on the road, who 
disapproved of Sunday schools. These 
Germans I find are too wise for the 
priests. In religion, they are Luther- 
ans, who do not suffer these religious 
pirates to come amongst them. They 
remind me of the French people, par- 
ticularly the young men and women, 
heing very sprightly and fond of music 
and dancing. You hear the violin or 
Piana Fort, of an evening, almost in 
every house. "Very different from the 
dullness of Philadelphia. Easton is 
the residence of several eminent and 
scientific men. Rev. John P. Hecht, 
Hon. G. Wolf, member of congress, 
Hon. Judge Waggoner, Hon. Judge 
Cooper, Gen. Rogers, Col. Porter, Col. 
Peter Emory [Ihrie], Col. [C. J.] Hut- 
ter and Dr. [J. K.] Swift. I did not 
see Judge Waggoner, but all the rest 
were gentlemen of education and po- 
Kteness. Dr. S. particularly is a man 
oi science and taste, and, though quite 
a young man, has collected an exten- 
sive and very interesting cabinet of 
minerals — many specimens are from 
Europe and various parts of the world, 
and a great variety of our own country. 
For the time he has been engaged in 
the pursuit the collection is astonish- 
ing, and the whole is arranged in the 
neatest possible manner. The doctor 
is a young man, tall and finely made, 
with fair, handsome features, open 
countenance and affable manners, and 
ranks high as a Physician. 

I have often remarked that there is 
something peculiar in names, and have 
ever found the name of Swift and good- 
ness united in an eminent degree. 

Hon. G. Wolf is a middle-aged, stout, 
heavy-made man, round face, dark com- 
plexion and black eyes; he is a lawyer 
by profession — a sensible, shrewd Ger- 
man (I mean in descent) ; he has an 
open, honest countenance and the man- 
ners of a gentleman. In conversing 
with Mr. Wolf on the shameful popu- 
larity of tracts, and the religious 
frauds of the clergy, subsequently I ob- 
served "it was strange tnese priests 
had never wormed themselves into the 
pockets and confidence of the German 
population." I shall never forget his 



reply. "Why," said he, "we put no 
more confidence in religious lies than 
we do in other lies." A volume could 
not have expressed more, and certain- 
ly not more to the purpose. How of- 
ten I have heard those Germans 
branded with the words ignorant and 
dull. But I find they are the stay of 
Pennsylvania. 

Col. Porter and Gen. Rogers, are al- 
so very amiable, gentlemanly men, and 
of easy polished manners, remarkable 
for kindness and hospitality. Rev. J. 
P. Hecht, a Lutheran minister,is worth 
more than the whole host of grey or 
black coats in the Universe. He is- 
what I should call a Christian. Mr. 
H. is a young looking man, with a 
round handsome face, and very benev- 
olent countenance. He is a small, 
light made man and possesses every 
trait of a gentleman. 

But Gen. Rogers excels — liberal, so- 
ciable, humble, modest and affable, I 
cannot remember of being more pleas- 
ed with a stranger. Being told he was 
one of the best of men, I called at his 
house, he was not in, but in a short 
time after returning to the tavern. Gen. 
R. came, he is low of stature, and 
middle-aged. 

I was not well pleased with Judge 
Cooper— he is an aged and not a very 
intelligent man. Mr. E. Brown [A. E. 
Brown] is very amiable. But Col. Hut- 
ter, who fas well as Gen. R.) edits a 
paper, is a real nobleman, a good 
warm-hearted German from the very 
place. Instead of being unsociable, 
ignorant, and dull, he was learned, fa- 
miliar and gay — and as polite as a 
Frenchman. He is an elderly man, of 
great information, had travelled over 
the most of Europe, and partakes of 
the easy and pleasant manners of well- 
bred foreigners. He is a great Jack- 
son man, and had the coffin hand-bills 
stuck upon the walls of his store, also 
his ofiice. He said "they done more 
for the election of the General than his 
pen." I happened first, however, to 
fall in with an Editor of the other side; 
a very friendly man by the name of 
Mullay [founder of the "Whig" about 
this time] who furnished me with a 
plan of my route, differing, however, 
from those I brought on. 

It is needless to say, I was well 
pleased with Easton, with the excep- 
tion of a shabby, ill-behaved man by 
the name of Hepburn. One Sten-n of 
the bank, was also a mean man. 
L James Stenton, Cashier of the Easton 
Bank.] [Hon. Hopewell Hepburn, a 
distinguished lawyer, afterwards a 
judge of Allegheny county. Pa.] 

The middle-aged and elderly people 
of Easton have a steady independence 



19 



in their manners and appearance, very 
different from the people of Philadel- 
phia. And the young people are what 
they ought to be ; sprightly and gay, 
and all are sober and industrious — so 
far all is well. 

My land-lord — I put up at White's. 
The polls had just closed, and the 
house was full of company. Many of 
them were from the cities, and knew 
me. One only, an amiable youth, had 
the courage to speak to me. The land- 
lord's daughters met me directly, and 
were kind and affable. Supper was 
soon set and I sat down with the com- 
pany. Some of whom had taken a cup 
too much, upon the success of their 
■candidate. Most of them however 
were solid, sober and well behaved — 
nor did I, during my visit, want a 
Iriend. 

The land-lord. White, [William 
White, familiarly known as "Chippy 
White], was what is called an English- 
man in Pa. It must be remembered 
all are called English in Pa. though 
American born, who are not Germans 
or of German descent. This distinc- 
tion is used from the custom of those 
Germans, speaking the German lan- 
guage. And though most of the Ger- 
mans understand and converse in the 
German language, they also pronounce 
the English language with elegance 
and ease — . There are a few Germans, 
however, though I have not yet seen 
them, who neither understand nor can 
converse in the English language. But 
to return to Mr. W. he is married to 
an Amizon German wife, and though 
she has the most beautiful face I ever 
saw, for so large and aged a woman; 
she is a monster in size. Were I a 
man, I should be afraid of her; she 
works in the kitchen steadily, and 
-slings the pots about as a boy would 
a top, and her daughters do the work 
of the house, and yet look neat and 
affable. In this respect I find they 
resemble the Yankees, having no ser- 
vants. White keeps a good table, but 
is a sharper to charge, and is by no 
means a pleasant land-lord. His bar- 
keeper was, however, polite and has 
much more of the gentleman in him. 

There are five newspapers published 
in Easton, viz: Three English and two 
German papers. 

HISTORY. 

I have searched In vain for the his- 
tory of Easton. The Pennsylvanians 
have no one to blame for this but them- 
selves, and their Walshes. This re- 
missness ought to bring a blush in the 
face of every Pennsylvanian. I have 
just been apprised that a gentleman is 
now engaged in collecting materials 
lor the history of the State, but this is 



too late for me. 

I find that Easton was in existance 
as far back as 1758, but I always like 
to go back to the first letter. 

Having lett a book on the chimney- 
piece the first night of my arrival at; 
Easton, upon taking it down next 
morning I found a paper in it writtea 
in a very neat hand with a pencil. The 
writer, after paying me a very high 
compliment for talent, independence,, 
etc., as a writer, and not a few on my. 
manners, and address (doubtless a 
quiz), requested me in very polite terms 
"in my next work to give to the world 
my ideas on the tariff, and political 
economy, considering it as a national 
and not as a party question." Had 
the writer put a dollar in the book, 
with or without the paper, I should 
doubtless have been better pleased,, 
and perhaps might have presented him 
with the book. 

In the first place I would say, that 
the gentleman, like too many others, is 
willing to receive, but not willing to' 
confer benefits; and although he re- 
quests the matter to be discussed as a 
national, and not a party question, lie 
belongs to a party; and further, had 
he read my books, he would have 
found his note unnecessary. In the 
next place that the subject being one 
of a political nature, it is beyond my 
abilities; being no judge of politics, I 
never meddle with them, and beg leave 
to observe what I always have done, 
and that is. I leave politics to the' 
men. I should soon bring myself into 
trouble, by giving my opinion upon a 
matter I do not understand, or dictat- 
ing to freemen, even if I were a judge, 
as every man under our government 
is a sovereign and has the sole right 
of judging for himself. Some of the 
ablest men in our country, are divided 
in opinion upon the tariff, and I should 
only become a laughing stock to at- 
tempt to settle the question between 
them. Nor am I able to say how it 
can be reconciled. For instance, there 
is the State of Maine,a maritime State, 
almost ruined by the tariff. The only 
fair way at least is to let the majority 
of the people decide. But even this is 
perhaps going too far, my business is 
with the grey coats — I am provoked to 
think they have led so many females 
astray. 

NAZARETH 
is only about six miles from Easton. 
and a small carriage runs between it 
and Nazareth, with the mail, drove by 
a boy, and two horses, who carries the 
mail to Wilkes-Barre. I, therefore, took 
my departure alone,with the boy,drawn 
by two stout German horses. We were 
not long going to Nazareth. 



20. 



The country becomes more fertile 
and beautiful, though uneven. The land 
takes a considerable rise upon leaving 
Easton, which affords an extensive 
Tiew of the rivers, hills and dales. The 
farms are very neat, fences good and 
the ploughing very different from any 
I had ever seen, excepting a small part 
ef Chester county. The Blue Moun- 
tains are also seen peeping over the 
forest; they lie west. 

Nazareth is a romantic stone village, 
eombining the rural, the wild and de- 
lightful. The town stands upon an ele- 
vation,with two principal streets.which 
erossing at right angles forms a hand- 
some square in the centre. Upon this 
square stands [error] Nazareth Hall, a 
large elegant stone building, in which 
the celebrated academy is kept for 
young genlemen. The square is 340x 
200 feet. The hall is large, and con- 
tains a chapel, kitchen, diningroom and 
rooms for study and lodging. On the 
top is a cupola, from which you have a 
delightful view. In front you have an 
extensive plain of rich meadows. In 
rear you have the gardens of great 
beauty, and at a distance the Blue 
iviountains. 

What is called the South Mountain 
in Maryland and the Blue Ridge in Vir- 
ginia is seen from the top of the acad- 
emy. If I were to judge of beauty 
this about the right distance to place 
this famous mountain, and seems to 
have been designedly contrived. Then 
to the right, for the sake of variety, 
the land sinks into a modest vale. 
This vale is one of unequalled beauty. 
It is a narrow level strip thickly shaded 
— through it runs a stream, whether 
by art or nature I could not tell, as the 
hand of taste has so cunningly woven 
such a variety of images that one is 
puzzled to tell one from the other. 
Here the rambling fancy meets a sum- 
mer house, and there a stately stage 
with rows of seats. These are mingled 
with smooth shorn box hedges and 
grass plats and bowers. On the other 
side of the vale suddenly rises a steep 
hill. This has also been touched with 
a magic wand, being divided into regu- 
lar gravel walks parallel to the vale. 
These walks, though on a sidelong hill, 
are perfectly level, and extend in suc- 
cession to the top. Each walk is 
shaded and fringed and adorned with 
rows of box neatly shorn, an the whole 
has the appearance of magic. How the 
population ever managed to perform 
so much work is astonishing, as the 
town only contains between 400 and 
500. 

I was told at Easton upon my arrival 
at Nazareth to call for Dr. Steckle, who 
would pay to me all possible attention. 



1 was, however, at no trouble to find 
the doctor. He was the first person I 
saw after the stage stopped at the 
door, and from the description I had 
had of his person and manners I knew 
it must be the doctor. He attended me 
into a parlor, attended to my baggage, 
and deported himself with that ease 
and modesty which bespoke him of 
high birth and breeding. Dr. Steckle 
is a German by birth, advanced in life, 
rather low of stature and a man of 
highly polished manners, mild and 
pleasant in conversation, and speaks 
the English language well. He for- 
warded a note I had written to Rev. 
Van V leek, the Principal of the acade- 
my, and which was a considerable walk 
from the inn; not long afterwards he 
brought in an answer from Mr. V., one 
of the politest I ever remember tohave 
received — so much for the ignorant 
Germans. Mr. VanVleek referred to 
Dr. S. in the note to attend me to the 
academy, and the moment I showed it 
to him he put on his hat and attended 
me first to the house of Rev. VanVleek. 
I had taken up the idea, from reading 
the tours of travelers and visitors, par- 
ticularly the Duke of Rochefoucault, 
that those Moravians, though mild 
people, were oddly dressed, bigoted, 
distant and uncouth — that the men 
were like Roman Catholic friars, and 
the women like nuns, with round calico 
caps and calico aprons, and speaking 
barbarous German. Imagine my sur- 
prise to find Rev. V. fashionably 
dressed in fine broadcloth, in the style 
of our first gentlemen, and Mrs. V. in 
a fashionable but neat lace-bordered 
cap, and both received me with the 
ease and elegq^nce of people of the 
first fashion — addressed me in the lan- 
guage of the finest belles lettres schol- 
ars. I was thunderstruck, and men- 
tioned my disappointment to Mr. V. 
and the doctor. "Numbers, like your- 
self, said Mr. V., "are disappointed. 
They take us to be a gloomy, old- 
fashioned people, with all the hypo- 
critical sanctity of ignorance feigning 
religion. True, religion has been so 
abused that because we profess it in 
its purity people think we have, like 
too many others, banished cheerfulness 
and common sense from our commu- 
nity. No such thing. We are a people 
who have cultivated every branch of 
science, and, of course, have no such 
tning as bigotry or gloomy priestcraft 
amongst us. We think it degrading 
to put on a long grim face and all the 
forms of hypocrisy. We are cheerful 
because we are innocent, and polite 
from the conviction that it is our duty 
to treat every person with kindness 
and respect, and, oi course, we must 



21 



be supposed to understand what we 
teach. We profess to teach and edu- 
cate those youths designed for gentle- 
men, and it would be absurd to be one 
thing and teach another." "But, now, 
where is the heavy German language, 
caps, etc." "The caps," he said had 
only been worn by those who came 
from Germany, and the whole of the 
system had undergone a change more 
consistent with the government and 
customs of America and the manners 
of the people they were among. 

After resting a few minutes, we 
walked into Nazareth Hall, where the 
celebrated academy is kept. It is 
doubtless understood that as that at 
Bethlehem is devoted to the instruc- 
tion of young ladies, this is devoted to 
the instruction of young gentlemen, 
and I may as well remark in this place 
txiat every class, of which I think there 
are seven, are taught in separate 
rooms, all of whom have a preceptor or 
tutor. They are taught the English, 
German, I.,atin and French languages, 
history, mathematics, music, drawing 
and all the useful branches. 

Dr. Van Vleek waited upon me him- 
self into the academy, and beginning 
at the room of the first class took me 
through the whole building. If I was 
surprised and disappointed before I 
was now completely confounded. Hav- 
ing made the tour of all the universi- 
ties, schools and colleges in the Atlan- 
tic States, and accustomed, at any 
time to see more or less rude, dull, 
stupid, impudent gawks, and not of- 
ten a few that might be called civiliz- 
ed. Suppose me now actually spell- 
bound when the moment I entered the 
first room the whole class arose from 
their seats as if by inspiration. The 
tutor was on his feet when we entered 
the room, and Mr. V. introduced him 
to me in the first place, and then be- 
ginning at the head of the room he 
named each youth or boy (the first 
class being always lowest in science) 
by name; "Mr. So and So, from — " al- 
ways naming the residence. The mo- 
ment the last word was pronounced 
the student bowed with unequalled 
grace. Every one waited till it came 
to his turn, and when we turned to 
come out, they bowed again (a little 
different from the University). This 
was the case through all the rooms. 
There certainly never was to me a 
more suprising or a more pleasing 
sight, so modest, so intelligent; all 
was one uniform representation of gen- 
tle impassioned sweetness. The pic- 
ture of one was the picture of the 
whole, so much did they resemble. 

Unlike all the seminaries I had vis- 
ited, even Yale College, there was no 



silly grins, impudent stares, to say 
nothing of horse-laughs — not a smile 
disturbed their downcast modest 
blushes, while they evinced the meek- 
ness and easy grace of the most erud- 
ice gentlemen. In a word, these Mo- 
ravians are a century ahead of any 
other people I have met with in the 
United States, in their system of edu- 
cation, and yet they are almost un- 
known. 

There were only eighty students, 
perhaps as many as could be taught at 
the hall. But why these Moravians 
are not sought for, to place at the head 
of other seminaries, nothing but that 
stupid blindness to our vital interest 
can account for. Doubtless they be- 
ing solely actuated by a desire of ben- 
efiting mankind would not object to 
leave their own establishments; and 
though I never inquired into their rules 
of civil or religious governments, I 
am induced to believe they would con- 
sent to so laudable a measure, as I ' 
understand there are several of them 
scattered about in the towns of Penn- 
sylvania, engaged in commerce and 
other business. 

From what I have seen of principal, 
teachers and pupils, I would say this 
was one of the best conducted schools 
in the world, and in forming the man- 
ners and morals leaves all the semi- 
naries I have seen in the United States 
a long way behind. I could not have 
thought it possible that the young 
mind could be brought to realize such 
a model of perfection. 

What a contrast between this ef- 
fusion of elegance ajid modesty, and 
those dens of orthodox seminaries. 
Whoever wishes his son to be re- 
spectable or happy, I would by any 
possible means recommend him to Naz- 
areth Hall. 

Dr. Steckle followed me through all 
my windings, from the chapel in the 
uasement to the top of the building, 
and then walked with me over the 
pleasure grounds, gardens, and grass , 
plats. I was sensibly struck by one 
thing peculiar to this place. Though 
there is a tavern, several stores, and 
work-shops — a death-like silence reign- 
ed throughout the whole place, no 
whooping, rolling hoops, or noise of 
children in the streets or houses, a few 
people driving teams or walking 
through the streets. Nor in the hall 
was there the least noise or conversa- 
tion, except when the boys in a short 
recess would run down stairs. 
Apropos — I forgot to notice the stairs 
which differ from all others, the ac- 
clivity being much less inclined than 
other stair-cases, and the steps very 
different. They are broad and but a 



22 



few inches one from the other, being 
very easy to ascend. 

Rev. Van Vleek is a native of N. 
iorl<, a young man, darlv thin visage, 
good height, and has the blaclvest and 
keenest eye in a man's head. 

Dr. S. and myself were pretty well 
tired down M'hen we returned to the 
tavern; as Vv^e walked along he showed 
me the house, a large stone building, 
built by the Rev. Whitfield 90 years 
since, as every one knows, or ought to 
know, that Whitfield settled the place 
where Nazareth now stands. 

I had requested the landlord, prev- 
ious to my walk, to have me a dish 
cooked (fried cabbage) in particular 
for myself, and was astonished at the 
readiness and very polite condescen- 
sion with which she accompanied her 
consent, and accordingly the dish was 
placed by my plate at dinner. 

The landlord, who was out when I 
arrived, now met me with a welcome 
smile — he also was a Moravian (Dr. S. 
was not) and a most amiable man. 

A wealthy lady with her daughter, 
trom the Southern States (I think Ala- 
bama), was at Nazareth when I called. 
Here and at Bethlehem she spends 
her summer, being partial to the so- 
ciety, as well she may — I commend 
her taste and good sense. These were 
the most or amongst the most accom- 
plished females I remember to have 
seen. The mother, as well as the 
daughter, had a general and personal 
knowledge of all the popular towns in 
the Union. The young lady for figure, 
countenance, features and complexion, 
was bewitching — she had the blackest 
and finest hair I ever saw. 

In the evening several of the stu- 
dents came in, and some of the tutors. 
I have before remarked that every 
house in Pennsylvania has a plana 
forte. Every tavern has them gener- 
ally through other States, but very 
few (in fact none) private houses in 
Pa. is without a plana forte, particu- 
larly the Germans, as they all are fond 
of music. But to resume. The young 
gentlemen, one after another, sat down 
to the plana, I never heard the keys 
touched with so much skill and sweet- 
ness; and it is universally admitted, as 
I have since learned, that no people in 
tue world excel the young gentlemen 
of Nazareth and Bethlehem in the 
science of music. They spend all 
their evenings in improving them 
selves on different instruments, and 
have regular concerts once a week. 

The Moravians, it appears, have al- 
ways been famous for their skill and 
fondness for music. An anecdote is 
related of the effects of their perfec- 
tion in music; shortly after Bethlehem 



was settled they were frequently in- 
terrupted by the Indians. One night 
when the town of Bethlehem was in- 
vaded by a large body of Indians, a 
party of the Moravians ascended the 
balcony of one of their houses, about 
midnight, and began to play. The 
music, at that hour of the night, had 
such an effect on the Indians, that they 
concluded it could be nothing less than 
the Great Spirit, and immediately 
withdrew, without offering any injury 
to the Inhabitants. 

HISTORY. 

Nazareth was settled at first by Rev. 
G. Whitfield; he purchased a tract of 
land containing 5,000 acres, in 1740, 
and built the house already mentioned, 
with a view of educating the Indians; 
but the plan not succeeding to his 
wishes, he sold the land to the Morav- 
ians, two years afterwards. This land 
is of excellent quality, and the town of 
Nazareth is built in the centre of the 
tract, the whole of which belongs to 
the brethren. 

At first the Moravians observed 
some rules, with respect to matrimony, 
and keeping the single sisters and 
brethren apart. These lived in large 
houses, and were not allowed to meet, 
or marry, but under certain restric- 
tions. But these rules are now no 
longer in force, and they marry and 
live in houses to themselves through 
the town, as others, and have also al- 
tered their mode of dressing. They 
are a sober, industrious, ingenious, 
economical and benevolent people, and 
resemble the Episcopalians in their 
worship. 

BETHLEHEM 

Is 10 miles from Nazareth, and after 
spending one day at the latter, I pro- 
ceeded to Bethlehem, through a fer- 
tile well cultivated country. Bethle- 
hem is comparatively a large town, 
and though mostly built of stone, has 
handsome streets, and like Nazareth, 
stands on a considerable eminence. It, 
however, sinks in some places, and 
rises in others. The new buildings are 
showy, and built in the modern style; 
but the original buildings are roughly 
built of stone, and those where the so- 
cieties lived, are hugh masses of great 
size,small windows, and stone or brick 
fioors, on the lower stories. The 
church, however, and the young ladies' 
academy are two of the finest buildings 
in the United States. 

Their grave yards are peculiar. In- 
stead of putting the toombstone per- 
pendicular it is laid horizontally loose 
on the top of the grave as an emblem 
of death, which levels all things. 

They have a house where the dead 



23 



are placed and locked up till they are 
interred, and the friends of the de- 
ceased proceed from this house to the 
grave yard with appropriate music. 

The waterworks of Bethlehem, by 
which water is conveyed through the 
town, is a great curiosity. It is forced 
trom a spring 100 feet high into a deep 
well, and a number of pipes leading off 
from the well under ground conveys 
the water wherever it is wanted. They 
keep large cisterns full in case of fire. 

Dr. Steckle, of Nazareth, recommend- 
ed me to a Dr. Green, at Bethlehem, 
whom he said I would find at the stage- 
house, kept by one Christ. Dr. Green, 
though he paid me a great deal of at- 
tention, was not the gentleman his 
friend represented him. Nor was I at 
all pleased with my quarters. 

The tavern keeper was from home, 
and his wife was an impertinent, dis- 
dbliging woman. Some tool, a vulgar 
woman who boarded at the house, had 
a young child, and forsooth, she, like 
many other fools, had bought a small 
waggon for the child, and what does 
she do, but bring the waggon up stairs, 
and rolls it to and fro through the 
passage, upon the hard floor, which 
made a tremendous noise. Not being 
able to procure a private room, with a 
fire, I was lying down to keep myself 
warm, as well as to rest, after my 
walk; when lo ! I was interrupted with 
the thundering of the waggon. 
Not in a very good humor 
at my privation, I jumped up 
and silenced the wagon. The 
servant who had the care of the child, 
I suspect, told the mother, and just as 
I lay down the second time the thun- 
dering began again. I opened the door 
and reprimanded the girl again, when 
the madam (a Philadelphian, doubt- 
less) said she would "ride the child as 
much as she pleased." I told her "she 
was no lady and a fool into the bar- 
gain, and that she should quit rolling 
the waggon or I would quit the house." 
I went down stairs and complained to 
the landlady; she was also very imper- 
tinent, but when she saw her own time, 
she went up and stopped the noise. I 
think it was the most audacious piece 
of impudence I ever knew, to be li- 
censed in a public house, and the pro- 
prietor is unworthy the patronage of 
the public. The tavern, I was told, be- 
longed to the society of Moravians,who 
hired this man to keep it. They could 
not hire one worse qualified, and had I 
known it, there was another tavern 
kept by a very clever man, whom I 
had seen in Philadelphia. It is very 
possible the proprietors are ignorant 
of the unfitness of the man; and from 
what I saw of them, I am very sure 



they would not allow strangers to be 
annoyed so. There were several fami- 
lies in the house at the time, who were 
glad enough I stopped the waggon, 
though they had not independence 
enough to do it themselves. There 
was one tolerably genteel woman there 
from Philadelphia; she had a beautiful, 
sensible and highly accomplished little 
daughter, who was going to the Beth- 
lehem academy. She also had a house- 
full — or, at least, several little children, 
but she kept them in her own room, 
and though I was pleased wim her and 
her children, I thought very little of 
her husband, a great churlish boor, 
who came up from Philadelphia to see 
her while I was there. I am the more 
particular in doing justice to this fe- 
male, as I never, often as I have visit- 
ed Philadelphia, saw half a dozen 
women worth the wadding of a gun, 
that was reared in the place. This was 
a plain, sensible woman and knew her 
a b c's, and even how to read, though 
she acknowledge^ she never bought a 
book. 

(I have of late marked these Phila- 
delphia ladies, and find them the most 
insignificant women of all our towns.) 

I was sorry my books were out, as 
doubtless she would have bought so 
choice a work (to say she had once 
bought a book), and particularly as 
she would have found some wholesome 
lessons upon the duties of the sex, 
though I am a Monawk. 

Besides her candor ana good sense 
(she did not know the latitude of 
Bethlehem, and I fear did not know the 
meaning of the word), I admire her for 
sending her little dauguter to the Beth-' 
lehem seminary. It is much to be de- 
plored that they do not either move 
the young ladies' academy to Philadel- 
phia or move Philadelphia to the acad- 
emy of Bethlehem. This would be 
nothing, for a "Peter the Great" to do. 
Wonder Walsh the Great does not sig- 
nalize his name at once by a bold 
stroke of this sort, instead of piddling 
himself into immortality. 
&EMINARY. 

Bethlehem, as well as Nazareth, has 
long been distinguished for the excel- 
lence of its schools. The ^ oung Ladies'* 
Academy at Bethlehem is so wea 
known throughout, not only this coun- 
try, but the world, that nothing I could 
say would be of any advantage, to the 
institution, its fame having reached 
all parts of the Union. 

I have seen numbers who were edu- 
cated at Bethlehem, and have often 
seen the work done by the pupils, which 
no doubt has reached every part of the 
United States, and is doubtless superior 
to any needlework done in our country 



24 



at least. 

I unfortunately called at Bethlehem 
on Saturday, and the first thing I did 
after my arrival was to inform the 
Principal, Rev. Charles F. Seidel. of 
my presence. He, very gentlemanlike, 
waited on me in a few minutes, and, 
after communicating my views, Mr. S. 
said he would rather I would postpone 
my visit to the academy till the next 
day, as the young ladies were always 
in an undress on Saturday, preparing 
themselves for the ensuing week; that 
Saturday was the usual day for clean- 
ing up. This being the case, I had to 
submit, as I was resolved upon seeing 
the pupils and the interior of the acad- 
emy. Mr. Seidel is a middle-aged man. 
heavy make, full round face and pleas- 
ing countenance. In his manners he 
excels, if possible. Rev. VanVleek. He 
is a native of Germany, but has been 
in this country several years. No one, 
however, would perceive from his dia- 
lect that he was a foreigner. 

I have never seen an American whose 
demeanor and manners possessed the 
same ease and grace of Dr. Seidel, and 
it would be mockery to attempt a de- 
scription of the man. His conversa- 
tion bespoke him a man of high at- 
tainments, and upon the whole he is 
one of tue most fascinating men I ever 
met with. 

The following day I went to church 
in the first place, as I wished to see 
their mode of worship, and when the 
sermon was over I was lo be admitted 
to the academy, it having been so ar- 
ranged. The church is very large and 
has a handsome organ. The men and 
•women sit apart, the men taking off 
tneir hats. These sit on one side of 
the house and the ladies of the place 
on the other, face to face, and the 
pupils sit in the middle. The pupils, 
however, have a place of worship by 
themselves — their seats are at right 
angles with the others. The daugh- 
ters of the citizens (single ones) sit 
with the pupils. 

This was a good opportunity to see 
the costumes of the whole. Both men 
and women were fashionably dressed, 
excepting, as in other cases, the aged; 
but nothing could exceed the taste and 
neatness of the whole. They differ 
from all other people in countenance, 
manner, and dress. They all have a 
smile on their countenance, and none 
of that sameness of the Quakers or 
the Shakers in their dress, nor the 
sadness of the Methodists, or the frip- 
ping flounces of other sects, and still 
less that studied grimness of the Grey 
coats. Some of the citizen-ladies were 
dressed in white, some in lead-color, 
some in calico, some in bombazeen, 



and some in silk; their hats or bonnets 
(if you please) were neat, fine, and 
small, and those of the young ladies 
were trimmed with ribbon; but chiefly 
they excel in that art which conceals 
art. For although most of them are 
learned, the most learned amongst 
them approach nearest to nature. Th& 
congregation accompanied the organ 
in singing, and both men and women 
have books in their hands. 

But nothing that has gone before 
can give any idea of the heavenly 
smile which sat upon the face of the' 
preacher, and the beguiling ease of his 
gestures. If he is not perfection there 
is none on earth. Though I am strong- 
ly prejudiced against priests, I could 
almost be brought to believe this man 
was a Christian — his face was never 
without a smile. 

They have none of that silly getting 
up and getting down, and continual 
motion of other churches, and if I 
were to believe, what I do not, that 
there is any Christianity in the United 
States, I would say it had fled to these 
Moravians for protection. In saying 
this I wish to be understood that I 
have found a great deal of liberality, 
generosity, kindness, and good feel- 
ing, but no Christians agreeably to 
the requisites of the gospel. Those 
who have, and are making so much 
noise about religion, as they call it, 
seem to be more upon the Jewish plan. 
But this is no more than opinion — 
to return, if there be any of the meek 
religion of the gospel in our land it is 
amongst those Moravians. 

It was not the Rev. Seidel who 
preached, nor do I know his name — 
he was quite an orator. 

The only singularity I saw was that 
the men and women go out of the 
church at opposite points — doubtless 
to prevent the young gentlemen from 
gallanting the young ladies. This was 
the only church in which I ever saw 
window curtains used. The windows 
are of amazing height, and width, and 
every one had a large, fine, white cur- 
tain before it, with lead fastened to the 
bottom to keep it in its place. Other- 
wise the church was without ornament. 
The pulpit is very high, and the priest 
walks into it from another portion of 
the church. 

After church was out Mrs. Seidel ac- 
companied me through the young la- 
dies' academy, which like that at Naza- 
reth, does not consist of one entire 
large hall, like high schools or some 
academies, but every class has a hall 
or classroom to themselves. They dine 
in one great hall and sleep in another; 
which plan of sleeping all in one room 
I do not approve; for, though the room 



25 



is high and airy, I am of the opinion 
that many human beings inhaling, as 
they must, each other's breath cannot 
be healthy. As respects this academy, 
nothing would be more easy than to 
throw this large room into chambers. 

The cooking department is also in 
the same building; this is the best con- 
structed and in the neatest order of 
any I have visited in the Atlantic coun- 
try, excepting that at the Hospital at 
Boston. 

As it was Sunday. I lost the pleasure 
of hearing the yoimg ladies play, or of 
seeing them at work, though they were 
all in the rooms occupied in common 
for study. 

This was certainly the capstone of 
the climax, and what I had for many 
years back ardently longed to see, and 
though fancy was raised to the highest 
stretch, it fell short of the burst of in- 
nocence, beauty and elegance which 
met my eye at the opening of each 
door. The retiring modesty of some, 
the polished urbanity of others, the 
snowy arm. the delicate hand, the soft 
friendly smile, the spiral ringlet, the 
dimpled cheek. I lingered at each 
door, lost in admiration. (How differ- 
ent from the Golgothas, the Presbyte- 
rian old maids!) As at Nazareth, 
they severally rose from their seats 
and made a graceful courtesy as they 
were introduced. There were some 
from all parts of the United States, 
and some from the islands — some were 
small girls and some were grown. I 
was much pleased to find the Miss Bibbs 
there from Alabama, with whose parents 
I had formerly a slight acquaintance. 

There was at this time a thin school, 
on account of a vacation from sickness, 
if I recollect — the first time the insti- 
tution was visited with sickness. There 



are, however, more applicants than can 
be accommodated. This is much to be 
lamented, as it certainly is the best 
female seminary in the United States. 
It is wholly under the control of the 
United Brethren, of Germany, who, it 
appears, do not seek to enlarge it, 
though the profits go to establish other 
seminaries somewiiere else. 

The young ladies showed me their 
frames with the unfinished work.which 
surpassed beauty. 

They have introduced what is called 
ribbon-work, recently taught by a Ger- 
man lady. This is very ingenious, and 
has still a richer appearance than the 
common way with floss silk. The rib- 
bon work is shaded like the floss, very 
narrow and curiously worked into 
flowers and figures of all sorts and 
shapes — it is richer and much easier 
done. The ebony work is a very use- 
lul work and a great curiosity — every- 
thing almost is made of it. The wors- 
ted work is also beautiful — hearth rugs 
or anything you fancy is made of it. 
But the literary part of the education 
is oy far the most important. The fol- 
lowing are the branches and the prices, 
viz.: 

Board and tuition.including read- 
ing, writing, arithmetic, gram- 
mar, historj', geography, the 
use of the globes, botany, plain 
and ornamental needlework, 

per quarter $28 00 

Entrance money 6 00 

Instruction in music, French, 
drawing, painting on velvet, 
ebony work, ribbon work and 
worsted work.each per quarter 3 00 

Washing, per quarter 4 00 

lor use of library 2 00 

Age of admission, between 8 and 15, 
Vacation during the month of August. 



2.6 



Bethlehem is on the river Lehigh and 
a small creek called Manakes | Monoc- 
acyj, fifty-three miles from Philadel- 
phia. The town begins on an eminence, 
and descends to the banks of the latter, 
a handsome stream. The prospect, 
however, is not so handsome as that of 
Nazareth, as the Lehigh Mountains 
approach too near the town and con- 
fines the view within too narrow lim- 
its. It is, however, a lively town, the 
people pursuing a variety of business, 
as in other towns. It owns a great 
number of mills, tanneries and brew- 
eries, and contains about 3,000 inhabi- 
tants. 

There are also handsome flower gar- 
dens, shrubberies and pleasure grounds 
adjoining the academy, all of which, 
with pure air, fine water and a rich 
surrounding soil, but above all the re- 
fined and pleasing manners of the in- 
habitants, renders it a delightful sum- 
mer retreat, and to which numbers of 
the Southern gentry resort during the 
warm months. All those who travel 
for amusement or curiosity ought to 
visit t*iose interesting towns. 

It was to this town Gen. Lafayette 
was brought for his safety and recov- 
ery when he was wounded at the battle 
of Brandywine, and the house was 
pointed out to me in which he was 
lodged — it is rather a large stone 
house on the main street — and, more 
than this, I saw the lady who nursed 
him at that time; she is still living, 
and is an active, hale woman. She 
said the General suffered much from 
the pain, but was very patient. 

I ought to have mentioned that Mrs. 
Seidel aids her husband in teaching 
the young ladies. She is an American, 
and was educated at the Moravian 
schools in North Carolina. She is a 
female of rare and high accomplish- 
ments, and has some of the most inter- 
esting children my eyes ever beheld. 
Of all places to rear children this must 
be the best. 

Finally, how these people have man- 
aged, with so little noise,without tracts 
and begging money, to advance so far 
beyond the rest of the United States 
in every social and mental virtue, is 
truly mysterious, surrounded, as they 
are, by those enemies to knowledge — 
the blacK coats, or black hearts, rather. 

Upon going into a parlour up stairs, 
at the tavern, I found the windows and 
tables strewed with tracts. As I al- 
ways do, I hoisted the sash and, gath- 
ering them all up, tore them to atoms 
and flung them into the street. Being 
called away shortly afterwards (I could 
not have been gone more than twenty 
minutes), what was my surprise to find 
the tables and windows again replen- 



ished with this trash. There was a 
lady sitting in the room all the while, 
but so artful and secret are those trai- 
tors that she did not see who did it. 
Some said it was Dr. Green. I served 
these the same sauce, but doubtless it 
would be renewed. Now, what good 
is to be effected by leaving these tracts 
here? How they grudge the success 
of this academy! 

I met with some very pleasant com- 
pany at the tavern, particularly a 
French officer, who was quite interest- 
ing. 

HISTORY. 

Bethlehem was settled about the 
time of Nazareth by the Moravians, 
who purchased the land. 

On Monday, before day, I took my 
departure for Mauch Chunk, the cele- 
brated Lehigh coal mines, after paying 
the highest bill for the worst accommo- 
dation I had met with, by far, in Penn- 
sylvania. It is hoped the society, if 
they own the property, will make an 
alteration there. One of the first ob- 
jects to strangers is comfortable board 
while traveling. The landlord was ab- 
sent the whole of the time, and perhaps 
it was still to my auvantage. 

But I am now about to unfold another 
tale of wickedness that ought to rouse 
the whole country. The habit people 
have fallen into of traveling in stages 
has induced contractors and proprie- 
tors to taKe the advantage of these 
travelers, as they are now pretty safe 
on the score of the traveling custom, 
pick up any worthless ruffian whom 
they can hire for little or nothing as 
drivers, it being no object to them 
how the traveler gets on after 
they receive the fare. 

-o was about 3 o'clock when we set 
out — I mean the stage driver and my- 
self, no other person being in the stage. 
It was weil I was armed with courage, 
or the consequence might have been 
serious. I uad not been more, perhaps, 
than half an hour on the road before 
the driver began to aduress me in a 
very suspicious and alarming manner; 
first, by asking "if I were married?" 
(and, I chink, for I did not give him an 
opportunity of adding much, you are 
sure), "was I not afraid to travel in 
the night?" How dare you address 
yourself to me, you insolent ruffian? 
If you say another insolent word I will 
drop you from the seat m an instant. 
Speak, if you dare, and urive on." He 
had almost stopped the horses, but 
never did a fellow drive taster than he 
did; and, tae road being rough, I paid 
for it. He said no more till we drew 
near the house where we were to 
change horses and drivers, and, sus- 
pecting I niignt inform against him, he 



27 



endeavored to intimidate me by pre- 
tending he would have me arrested for 
threatening the "mail carrier." He 
was a hopeful convert — he must have 
been converted by the tracts, as I saw 
him at the tavern during Sunday. Now, 
is it not shameful that lives are en- 
dangered by these contractors ? The 
Germans are the only drivers I have 
seen, in the United States, who can be 
called civil or sober. This man was 
an Englishman, it being understood 
that both are Americans. 

It was about daylight when the stage 
stopped to change horses and drivers, 
to my great pleasure; and the moment 
I arrived, I accused the driver — all star- 
ed, and were silent; not one under- 
stood English; girls and boys eyed me 
in silence — theman who owned the 
house, and a traveller, were the only 
exception. The traveller was stand- 
ing by the fire; the landlord was out, 
attending to the horses. 

When the landlord came in, the 
stranger told him in German; and the 
landlord, addressing me in good Eng- 
lish, askea me if it were true that the 
driver had behaved rude ? I replied 
in the affirmative, and added, "I had 
hoped the stage would have stopped 
at some village where I could have 
found officers to arrest him." 

The man appeared very serious; 
said "it was very wrong, and he should 
talk to the driver about it." This is 
nonsense; such ruffians are not to be 
reclaimed by talk; the fact is, they 
ought not to be employed. The whole 
of this business is falling into disre- 
pute, and I am pleased to hear they 
are canaling and railroaamg the whole 
country, that our lives may be no long- 
er endangered by such lawless ruffians. 
They ought to boast of converting the 
heathen — dog eat dog. 

The driver never showed his face; 
and my new driver being a German, I 
felt greatly relieved, 'lae young la- 
dies who could not or would not speak 
English, were fair, handsome, and 
modesty itself. 

The road, now drawing near the Blue 
Ridge, became still more rough; but 
the driver took much pains, and was 
very obliging. 

I had gained very little, as to dis- 
tance from Easton to Mauch Chunk, by 
visiting Bethlehem, which was nearly 
as far from Mauch Chunk as Easton, 
from which last it was thirty-six miles 
distant. We arrived at the mountain 
about 8 o'clock, which we pass, not 
over, but through, at a place called the 
Gap. A tavern is kept at the Gap, at 
which we breakfast. Here the moun- 
tain scenery begins; in truth, it is often 
seen east of this; but after passing the 



Gap we are fairly engulphed in streams, 
rocks and mountains; and never was a 
mountain, it would seem, without a 
river. 

The Lehigh Hills (or mountains, 
more properly), which commence at 
Easton, has kept pace with me, and 
still pursue the river, while the famous 
Blue Ridge seems to wage war with all 
the Atlantic rivers, and as sure to be 
vanquished. Here, as witn all the East- 
ern streams, the Lehigh bursts through 
this untiring mountain as though it 
were a breastwork of cotton bags and 
rolls on triumphant to the Delaware. 
The Lehigh river and mountain meets 
the Blue Mountain (as it is called, and 
sometimes Kittatinny Mountain) at 
right angles. 

The Blue Mountain maintains the 
same steep cliffs of wild naked rocks 
in this place which it does in all others 
from Virginia to West Point. It is the 
same stubborn mountain, and exhibits 
a true picture of wildness. 

Here, also, comes in another pile of 
hills or mountains, which you please, 
on the right, the Lehigh and its moun- 
tain lying on your left; each draws up 
close to the river, and between these 
two the road passes to Mauch Chunk. 

A very handsome stream also comes 
in here, on the right of tne Lehigh, and 
discharges itself into the Lehigh. 

The tavern where we breakfasted 
stands between the Blue Ridge and the 
stream just mentioned. Over this 
creek there is a very handsome bridge; 
the stream runs very swiftly over abed 
of rocks, and also has its hills parallel 
to it. A little beyond the creek, in full 
view of the tavern, the canal and seve- 
ral of the locks appear; also, kilns 
where the cement used in constructing 
the wall is burnt, and likewise the 
mills in which it is ground. Hard by 
are blacksmith shops and various other 
cabins for the workmen. The Le- 
high river runs close to the canal, and 
a store near the tavern. While the 
whole is environed with wild moun- 
tains and huge rocks, some of which, 
loosened from their places, have rolled 
down near the road. Thus we have a 
rich foretaste of the much extalled 
sceneries of Mauch Chunk, from which 
it appears I am still twelve miles dis- 
tant. 

The man of the tavern was not at 
home, but I had a good breakfast, and 
found the German girls kind and at- 
tentive, though they spoke very little 
English. 

After breakfast I walked over the 
bridge, and ever delighted with swift 
running streams, I lingered some time 
upon the bridge, leaning upon the 
balustrade. The curling of the lim- 



28 



pid water, and the associations of do- 
mestic neatness, awakened by looking 
at a woman scrubbing her churns and 
pails as she stood in the stream, added 
no little to heighten the glow of feeling 
set in motion upon my approach. 

Had the day been pleasant, I should 
have had a delightful walk, but it was 
cold and blustering. 

I walked on to the canal not yet 
walled up, and the kilns and mills for 
preparing the cement being mentioned, 
I can add nothing more, as I would not 
have had time to examine them before 
the stage would call. I saw a great 
dust flying out of the mills, and the 
men who conveyed the ground ce- 
ment away, in bags, to load the 
wagons, were covered with dust. I 
saw a few carpenters at work upon 
wood, but could not discover their ob- 
ject. The canal seemed to be nearly 
the size of other canals, and the work- 
manship of the locks seemed to be 
skillfully done. This cement is a sort 
of stone which, when prepared, is used 
in masonry, and answers a better pur- 
pose tnan lime, so it is said. I never 
heard of it till this day, and great quan- 
tities of it is said to lie in the neigh- 
boruood. The enterprising Mr. White, 
of the Lehigh Company, is said to have 
discovered the cement. 

I had, however, but a few minutes to 
satisfy curiosity, when the stage came 
along.and tnrough detiles and over rocks, 
sometimes on the brink of a high stone 
wall built in the river, which formed 
the jumping off place, we reached 
Mauch Cuunk. 

Hardly any road is more dangerous 
to travel at this time, from the blow- 
ing of rocks; and, at all times, it is 
dangerous, from the narrowness of the 
defiles, should the horses take fright. 
The best way would be to travel it 
on horseback, or in private carriages. 

But the Teagues, poor fellows, they 
are strung along the canal, scarcely 
alive, stupid from drink. The poor 
fellows, fleeing from oppression to be 
free, grow rich in our country, make a 
short life, and merry one of it. I have 
been informed that they generally live 
about eighteen months after coming to 
this country, and work and drink most 
of the time. They care little about 
eating, provided they get whiskey. In 
many instances, on some of the canals, 
they die so fast, that they are thrown 
into the ground from four to six to- 
gether, without cofiins. 

You are tormented, beyond endur- 
ance, by these Patts, when you travel 
along the canal in stages. They are 
eternally getting in and getting out, 
and suffocating you with the stench of 
drunkenness. They are, for the most 



part, covered with mud, where they 
have rolled when drunk, and never 
think of Inlying a little trunk, or light 
valise, to carry their clothes from 
place to place, but always have a wad 
of something tied up in a black greasy 
old pocket handkerchief, and crowd 
you, and grease you and stench you to 
aeath. If ever you see a man with a 
rusty crown-cracked hat, short legs, 
tattered clothes, and dirty face, stand- 
ing before you in the road, you may ex- 
pect a pat in the stage. 

There are, however, Yankees and 
Germans at work on the canals. The 
Yankees take their money, when earn- 
ed, and go home; so do the Germans, 
and both are generally steady. But 
the Teagues are continually going 
from one canal to another. 

Several of these got into the stage 
as we drew near Maucu Chunk, and 
though, in justice to them, they are 
generally harmless, there was one of 
these very impertinent, so much so, 
that I called to the driver either to 
put him out, or I would get out. The 
driver had got into another stage 
which overtook us, and a youth had 
mounted the seat of my coach, and, of 
course, could do nothing with Pat, I or- 
dered him to stop, when i got out, and 
walked nearly half a mile, to Mauch 
Chunk, over a rough road, and being 
then very lame, I suffered a great deal 
on the way. 

MAUCH CHUNK. 

Upon my arrival at the tavern, I 
complained that a carriage was not sent 
to meet me; but they had heard noth- 
ing of the accident. 

The house stands on the side of a 
mountain, and I was shown into a com- 
mon room. I was there but a few min- 
utes, when the landlord, a genteel look- 
ing man, came down and invited me 
up into the parlor. He had often, he 
said, heard of me, as he took the Uni- 
ted States Gazette, and was pleased 
with my visit; and, to crown the whole, 
was a Yankee. I walked up to the 
parlor, ordering a room at the same 
time. Mr. White, the principal man- 
ager, already mentioned, was absent, 
but was expected home that night. Din- 
ner would soon be ready; they were 
only waiting for some ladies to re- 
turn from the coal mines. The parlor 
was large, neat, and well furnished; 
the Lehigh was glowing in the grate, 
the best part of the story, as it was 
very raw and drizly. Several young 
men walked in to look at me, and were 
introduced. They apeared to be board- 
ers, and, as it appeared afterwards, 
clerks to the company. Thus all 
went on well; meantime I took 



29 



a view of my chamber, or- 
dered up my baggage, and returned 
to the parlor, and. shortly afterwards, 
the company arrived, three ladies and 
two gentlemen; they were from Phila- 
delphia — a great old fat woman, a lit- 
tle lame, an old maid, her daughter, 
and a younger one, also her daughter. 
One of the gentlemen, a right Philadel- 
phian, was, I think, brother, nephew, 
or something to the big woman; the 
other was a lad, I do not know from 
whence. They had been taking a ride 
on the railroad, and not being guard- 
ed against the change of weather or 
the height of the region of the coal 
mines, had suffered much from the 
cold. It actually was enough (from 
what I learned afterwards) to have 
killed them outright, as they had noth- 
ing on but thin shawls, and the day 
was very cold. The mother was tall 
about three yards round, and 
roughly hewn throughout. The 
old maid was tall and gaunt, 
long necked and long chin- 
ned, long faced, fair, handsome mouth 
and teeth, which she appeared to make 
the most of, by always grinning to 
show them. She had a once hand- 
some dimple, but it was almost extinct 
in her sunken cheek; her hair was red, 
or bordering close upon it. It is al- 
ways my favorite color, when not too 
deeply tinged, and is accompanied with 
a fair complexion at all times. In 
short, but for the length of her face, 
and a DOW chin, she must have been 
handsome when young, and would be 
so now, had she not been abominbly 
affected, and ignorant of course. The 
ladies ought ever to remember that 
knowledge is never old or ugly. The 
other lady was not so tall nor so old, 
round faced, redish haired, fair com- 
plexion, middling features, and stupid 
dull countenance — both had whiteish 
grey eyes. 

The gentleman, their kinsman,whose 
name, if I am not mistaken, was Hare, 
was, as I have said, a sort of chip in 
porridge man, with a hard iron coun- 
tenance. 

The lad was rather accomplished, 
but had more sail than ballast — he 
was all in raptures to see Mrs. R. and 
who would not ? He was not of the 
Philadelphia party. The ladies lisped, 
and twisted, and figited, and smiled, 
"ma-ed," and never was so cold; and 
the old lady broke off in the middle, 
and disappeared — presently orders 
came to the young ladies to come and 
dress for dinner. 

At length we were seated at the ta- 
ble, where my Yankee landlord took 
a seat by my side, or at least placed 
me by his side, to pay the more atten- 



tion, 'ihe other gentlemen, also, were 
very attentive, and none more so than 
the young gentleman whom, it strikes 
me, had seen me before. 

No one attended to the Philadelphia 
ladies. Here is another remark — those 
who do not seek admiration, admira- 
tion will seek them; and those who 
are always seeking it, will never find 
it, for the best of reasons. Every one 
at the table could see, with half an 
eye, what brought this gang of females 
from Philadelphia; and the young men 
of the place taking the alarm, avoid 
them as carefully as though they were 
just so many wild cats. There was 
another female at the table, a pretty 
good match for these — 1 guessed she 
was of Philadelphia also, and I guess- 
ed true — she was dressed in the ex- 
treme, black, proud, and ugly, and 
though not so silly, was just as ignor- 
ant and affected as the others; and 
whom, think ye, was this fine (they 
were all as fine as silk anu lace and 
bubbles could make them, just as 
though they were going to be ushered 
into the ball-room) dressed lady ? The 
landlord's wife ! ! ! ! the first time I 
ever saw a tavern-keeper's wife sit 
down at the public dinner table, or 
even show herself, since I have been 
in the Atlantic country; and the es- 
sence of it is, her husband is only a 
hireling, the tavern being the property 
of the company, so, without any fur- 
ther evidence, it is plain that my Yan- 
kee friend is a goose, and his wife is 
the gander. I did not, however, 
dream, at the time, she was the lady of 
the house, as my Yankee friend never 
introduced me. But the next day, be- 
ing interrupted by the noise of chil- 
dren at my room door, I looked out, 
and finding a black servant at the door, 
who seemed to have the care of the 
children, I told her she must take them 
away; and, thinking they were doubt- 
less the children of some lady from the 
South, from their having a grown 
woman to attend them, I inquired 
whose cnildren they were, as I had 
never seen the mother about; she told 

me they were Mrs. 's (I do not 

remember the name). I observed I 
had never seen the lady — "was she 
sick?" ''Why, she was at the table 
ever since you came!" I then appre- 
hended, and, not recognizing the tavern 
keeper's name, I asked who the lady 
was and where she was from. She 
laughed and said, "It was the tavern 
keeper's wife." Now, had this simple- 
ton, as it is clear he is one, married a 
\ankee lady, instead of having a maid 
to attend her children and dressing in 
silks, laces and flounces, and sitting 
down at the head of the table, where 



30 



gentlemen and ladies and strangers 
dine, she would be found in her kitch- 
en, with her cueck apron on, attending 
to her business — she would have been 
a fortune to him, instead of spending 
one. He is sure to be a poor man while 
he lives. Wonder not at the number 
of old maids in Philadelphia. What 
man (though they caught this soft 
Yankee) would have such women ? 
This woman, besides neglecting her 
kitchen and her children had a fortune 
on her back, and as great an ignoram- 
us as could be found — she was quite a 
vulgar coarse woman. I should think 
the company poor judges of a matter 
so important to their interest, the tav- 
ern being a very large, expensive 
house, and doubtless does much busi- 
ness, as numbers visit the place dur- 
ing the summer. I am told it is like 
a fair. And the worst is to come yet — 
she is a missionary lady, and, of 
course, hei and I were no favorites; 
and her poor hen-pecked husband, 
when he found I exposed the conduct 
of missionaries in my usual open inde- 
pendence, he sneaked off for fear of 
his wife, and I never came in sight of 
him but once afterwarJs. 

But the old maid! It was sickening 
to see her airs at the table, nibbling 
and mincing and turning her head, 
first on one shoulder and then on the 
other, and languishing and ogling and 
addressing some pretty silly thing now 
and then to her mother. The younger 
one was not allowed to speak, as doubt- 
less the old maid had put a padlock on 
her mouth, that she herself might re- 
ceive what she did not — the addresses 
of the gentlemen — nor will she ever, 
while her designs upon them is so evi- 
uent. There is a specimen of Philadel- 
phia ladyship for you. The boor they 
brought with them never offered to at- 
tend them, and, about to cross the river 
over the bridge, I shamed one of the 
young men Oi. the place into politeness 
and courage enough to walk with them. 
He set off, and seemed rather to prefer 
the company of the youngest, who, find- 
ing she had the advantage, resolved to 
maintain it, and fairly ran off with the 
young man. The old lady hobbled 
along very slow, and in a short time 
the young pair was out of sight, and 
the old maid, to her infinite mortifica- 
tion, who could not leave her mother, 
missed the only chance she had of a 
beau at Mauch Chunk. I was sitting 
in a high porch, looking at them, and 
was no little amused to see the younger 
sister run off with the prize. The walk 
was a mere excuse, as it was the most 
absurd thing in the world for such an 
old overgrown, lame woman to attempt 
walking in such a rough country. The 



young man, who doubtless will never 
forgive me, shut himself up in his 
chamber and was never seen, except at 
meals, while they staid. Thus women 
defeat their own purposes — their pal- 
pable advances disgust the men even 
to hatred. I never had so good an op- 
portunity of observing the weak side 
of women before. 

"But the scenery, Mrs. R., and the 
coal mines" — "ah, you shall have it." 
I always go on by regular climax and 
thought, perhaps, if I mounted my hob- 
by before I disposed of the woman, it 
might run away with me, and so much 
would be lost forever. Which will 
you have first — the scenery or the 
mines ? for the mines are nine miles 
trom the tavern and the town of 
Mauch Chunk. "The scenery." Then 
here is the scenery. Mauch Chunk is 
the Indian name of a small town on 
the Lehigh, which, at this place, winds 
in the form of the capital letter S. 
Now, if you can imagine perpendicular 
steps of wild mis-shapen rocks, to the 
height of a considerable mountain, on 
each side of this serpentine river; if 
you can imagine the steep on the op- 
posite shore, running up to the right 
hand bend of the S, into a sharp, bold, 
perpendicular point, and the river, 
with the mountain on this side, wrap- 
ping round it; it you can fancy another 
steep mountain showing itselt to the 
left, up the river, meeting it at a right 
angle; and then suppose a sharp ridge 
sloping down to the river, on this side, 
on the left also, near by — if to this 
you add the long string of black coal 
waggons on the summit of this last, all 
in readiness to take their eternal flight 
down the shoot into the river, and the 
shoot itself a rail-way mounted in the 
air, with one end on the brow of this 
summit, and the other end sloping to 
the river some hundred yards, over a 
considerable valley ! ! If you can im- 
agine one of these waggons flying 
(nothing short of it) down this shoot, 
while another is flying up, like a 
witch, through the air, without even a 
broomstick. [The loaded waggon, 
running down, draws the empty one 
up, there being a double rail-way at 
the shoot.] Next fancy a large park 
on the side of this coal waggon moun- 
tain, facing you, filled with elk and 
deer, and, as if for your gratification, 
appears as one end of it was lowered 
to show its contents; a little below 
(only a street between) stands a hand- 
some white building, under a shade; 
further on, toward the tavern, from the 
lofty portico of which you see the 
whole, a large store, and then a mill, 
and here a stream runs down, at an 
angle with tne Lehigh; on the bank of 



31 



this stream there is a street called 
Broadway with two long rows of 
houses — you are all this while at the 
base, or rather on the side of another 
mountain of huge moss covered rocks, 
which rear themselves up, rocks upon 
rocks of frightful wilderness behind 
you; the I^ehigh running nimbly at 
your feet, a handsome bridge thrown 
over it; the locks and o'ams, and the 
canal, all in one view. If you can im- 
agine all this, you may form an idea 
of the scenery of Mauch Chunk. But 
it is impossible for the pen to repre- 
sent the novelty and wildness of the 
masses of stone, and the whimsical 
figures of the mountains, as they as- 
sume a variety of bends and shapes. 
The scenery of Mauch Chunk has little 
beauty, the mountains approaching too 
near — it only pleases from its surprise, 
novelty, and wildness, which is un- 
equalled by any mountain scenery, I 
ever met with, and it will forever be 
what it is now, as these rocky steeps 
aefy, alike, the hand of art and the 
hand of taste. Wildness, therefore, 
will forever reign sole monarch of 
Mauch Chunk, unconquered and un- 
subdued. 

The tavern, to leave room for a 
street between it and the river, is 
wedged in amongst these rocks, where, 
and the mass of frightfulness over 
your head, in one thousand acres you 
could not find a hand's breadth of 
earth. 

These rocks, and those I saw on the 
Delaware, are different from any 
mountain or other rocks I have visited 
they are of a light drab color, almost 
white — all that I have seen, were red- 
ish, dark, and grey, and for the most 
part, flat, or shelvings, seemed to min- 
gle and adhere, forming some sort of 
society; but these of Mauch Chunk 
are great rounding lumps, loosely scat- 
tered, as though they had dropped 
from the clouds one by one. Now for 
the ride upon the railroad, the mines, 
and the ride back. 

Next day the ladies, old maids and 
young maids, old lame women and un- 
lame, and, to crown the whole, Mrs. 
Tavern-keeper, condescended to join 
the party — Mr. Tavern-keeper, my 
young beau, the Philadelphia beau.the 
ladies' coachman, by far the genteel- 
est man of the party — he could not be 
called a coachman, as I understood he 
was a relation, and brought them in 
his own private carriage — two strang- 
ers, the owner of the team, and the 
driver, all set out to the mines. 

We were placed in pleasure car- 
riages, which have seats like sleighs, 
and precisely like the sleigh, but long- 
er, and without the back and front, and 



have small iron wheels. These car- 
riages are fastened together, as many 
as you please — one horse to every 
twenty persons, which he pulls with 
ease, at a brisk trot — no horse is used 
in returning. 

The distance from the town to the 
mines is nine miles, the mountain be- 
ing an oblong; the rail road runs paral- 
lel with its length, which, resembles 
what we call a spur. The road runs 
on the side of this ridge, and partly on 
the top, as it happens to sink or rise — 
the highest summit is about one thou- 
sand feet, and the road rises one foot 
in seventy. 

It was a delightful afternoon, when, 
seated in the front of the front car- 
riage, supported by the two strangers 
at my back, with my little beau next 
to them, the old maid, &c., &c., &c., 
the owner of the carriages, and driver 
in front of all, and off we go upon the 
railroad. But of all modes of travel- 
ling or sailing, it is the most pleasing; 
so steady, so swift; not a jolt, jar, or 
movement, to the right or left. To 
say it was delightful, would scarcely 
convey the idea; nor can it be con- 
veyed, by language, to other than 
those who have travelled on one. I 
shall ever, after this, be th^ warm ad- 
vocate of railroads! Railroads! Rail- 
roads! give me a railroad! 

We had a romantic view of Broad- 
way as we drove on, sunk deep as it 
was between two stupendous hills — 
the stream mentioned wound its spark- 
ling way down a deep vale, in the op- 
posite course — its serpentine figure, 
though far beneath our feet, with a 
headlong mountain rising upon the 
other side, were to our left, and always 
in view, at our backs, the Blue moun- 
tains soon appeared, as we drew near 
the summit; on our right, there was 
little to ue seen, as the nature of our 
way precluded a view. 

At length we lose sight of our deep 
vale and curling stream, and gain a 
considerable flat of some width — here 
we have another purling stream of 
crystal clearness; it was sometimes on 
one side, and sometimes on the other, 
and its banks thickly shaded by shrubs 
and brambles — now and then a pheas- 
ant, or partridge, would start up be- 
fore us. The railroad, from its sym- 
metry, was no less pleasing to the eye 
than it was delightful to travel. 

I ought to have observed, that these 
pleasure wagons never visit the 
mines except in the afternoon, or until 
the coal wagons have run down, which 
is always in the forenoon; and that 
the coal wagons run down of them- 
selves, being all fastened together, and 
are pulled up by mules, the mules be- 



32 



ing placed in a wooden wagon, with 
troughs before them, to eat as they go 
on, are fastened to the coal wagons, 
and ride down. There being but one 
road, and no chance of getting off 
should one carriage meet another, and 
such a number of these coal wagons, 
all made oi iron, and heavy laden, they 
would grind everything they met in 
their way to powder. It is, therefore, 
a strict law, that no carriage shall go 
up until the coal is all down; and the 
mule wagons going down at the same 
time, there is then no danger. 

As we drove on I happened to ask 
the owner of the wagon, "What would 
be the result were we to meet a 
wagon?" "We would call out to the 
driver to hold up," there being a sort 
of machine which locks the wheel, one 
end of which the driver, who always 
sits in front, holds in his hand; by this 
means the wagons can be made to go 
fast or slow, or stopped. This part of 
the story I can scarcely believe when 
applied to the coal wagons; from their 
great weight and velocity when run- 
ning down I doubt whether any power 
on earth could stop them. 

The word was scarcely uttered by 
the man when we saw a mule wagon 
meeting us. I had such confidence in 
the man that I felt in no way alarmed. 
He cried out to the man (or boy, 
rather) to "hold up," but he might as 
well have told him to hold down. The 
proprietor jumped off the seat and 
jerked up a small stick.which he had 
scarcely time to do before the two car- 
riages met. He threw the stick across 
the railroad, and whether it was of ser- 
vice or not I cannot tell, for in a twink- 
ling the mule carriage knocked the 
horse in our carriages down flat on his 
side, and he lay as though he were 
dead some time. This stopped the 
mule carriage. 

The whole of the party jumped out 
but myself. I, being lame, was afraid 
of a worse evil had I made the attempt, 
bome of the party were hurt in their 
eagerness to escape, but I received 
little or no injury. I suspect there 
never was a more fortunate escape — 
it was the first instance of the sort. 
After some time we got the horse up 
and, lifting tne carriage off the road, 
let the other wagon go on. Our horse 
was put, too, and we went on again 
very well. 

As we drew near the mines we de- 
scend a little, and have a beautiful 
prospect of the plains and hills around 
us from our high situation. 

THE COAL MINES 

is matter enough to satisfy the most 
capacious mind and gratify the most 



unbounded curiosity — one whole moun- 
tain of solid coal, which continues, it 
is said, across the country to the 
Schuylkill. Wherever they have made 
the experiment they find the same un- 
broken mass of coal. The excavations 
already made comprise seven acres, to 
a great depth, in some places seventy 
or an nundred feet, and yet there is no 
alteration in the coal — it lies unbroken 
and unmixed by the least particle of 
stone, earth or anything whatever. 

A vast many hands are employed in 
loosening the coal, loading the wagons 
and gathering them together to send 
to the river. These hands do not work 
underground. They begin on the sur- 
face and dig and haul off as they go. 
There is, at first, on the surface of the 
mountain, a few feet of earth, which 
is carefully removed; but when they 
once get to the coal the earth ceases. 
It is so easy to dig that one good hand 
can dig 100 bushels per day. The in- 
struments used are a pick-axe and a 
crowbar; these are light and sharp, 
which the men handle with much ease. 
It is surprising to see how fast they 
can loosen and throw it out. This 
earth is wagoned to a precipice and 
thrown down, to be out of the way. It 
was down this precipice an Irishman 
recently took a merry ride. He insist- 
ed upon getting into the wagon of dirt 
and, the wagon running at full speed, 
Pat went over and down to the bottom 
without much injury. 

They receive from 80 to 90 cents per 
day. Some of the workmen are Irish, 
some Germans and some Yankees. 
They work, drink whiskey, fight, re- 
ceive their money in the fall, go home, 
spend the winter and return in the 
spring. They have no boss (as an 
overlooker is called In the Atlantic 
country). I asked if they drew their 
wages by the day or the bushel. They 
replied that they drew the same wages 
whether they worked or played 

The whole country around seems to 
be one continuation of mountains, and 
the view from the mines is very exten- 
sive and beautiful, presenting an end- 
less representation of high ridges and 
deep valleys. 

A number of railroads run in all 
directions over the excavation, to facil- 
itate the removal of the coal to the 
railroad which is to convey it to the 
river. 

Such a number of hands, their black 
wagons running alone, black clothes 
and the black broad flat from which 
the coal has been removed, the vast 
ebony walls which surround the exca- 
vation, are a subject of much interest 
and curiosity. There is a species of 
shaded coal, extremely beautiful, called 



33 



the "peacock coal,'' and resembles the 
variegated color of that fowl precisely. 
This is found promiscuously amongst 
the other coal, and differs from it only 
in color. The railroad is thus described 
by a traveler who called nearly at the 
same time, and, to save trouble, I copy 
it from a paper, as I am aware it is 
correct: 

"A road is first cut along the side of 
the mountain, on which billets of wood 
are laid transversely (like our swamp 
cause-ways;) and on them, parallel 
with the road, the rails of pine, 6 by 4 
inches thick, are placed. On the up- 
per surface and inner edge of these 
rails, narrow bars or plates are screw- 
ed for the wheels to run on. The cost, 
$4,500 per mile. The cars for carrying 
the coal are made of sheet iron, with 
strong wheels about two feet in diam- 
eter." 

The bodies of the wagons are very 
deep, and wider at the top than the 
bottom. A driver or steersman al- 
ways sits in front to guide the wagon 
upon the road where it makes short 
or crooked turns. The wheels, I find, 
have often to be greased. 

It certainly must be the most inter- 
esting object at Mauch Chunk to see 
these wagons, of which there are a 
great number, all of one size, all tied 
together and running full career down 
the railroad. This I did not see, as 
they came down but once while I was 
there, and nothing but the neglect of 
the landlord to apprise me deprived 
me of the pleasure. 

The ride up is, in comparison, noth- 
ing to our ride down. The company 
and myself being again seated in the 
carriages the horse was again put to 
for a little way, when he was again 
taken out, and away we flew; at first 
slow, but soon like the wind. There 
are a few scattering houses near the 
mines, in imitation of a town, and a 
solitary one here and there for a little 
further on, also a meadow, where we 
saw several mules feeding. But what 
astonished me as much as anything 
else was a 70 foot Jackson pole. The 
mules, accustomed to the wagons paid 
little attention to us as we passed 
them. But it was different with most 
other things. The wheels, going up, 
maKe ..ctle noise, but going down they 
make a considerable hollow rumbling 
sound, whic- I presume must be heard 
some distance. 

It was no little amusement to me to 
see birds, cats, dogs, and cows flying 
for their ^^ves before us. They must 
have thougnt the end of the world 
was at hand. The birds wisely fled 
for it at once, but I did expect to see a 
cow smashed to pieces, as the foolish 



thing ran into danger instead of run- 
ning out of it, but the cat I suppose is 
hardly done running yet. I was till 
this day ignorant of the gait and fleet- 
ness of cats. We were 30 minutes 
running down. 

But of all the wonders of Mauch 
Chunk I was astonished at the rapidity 
of the wheels upon a road apparently 
level, as any person in the world, with 
no more knowledge of railroads than 
myself, would be at a loss to distin- 
guish which way the road descended. 
It has all the appearance of a perfect 
level. I had formed some sort of an 
opinion of everything except this. 

The air was quite cool from the 
swiftness of our passage, though it 
was a warm evening. It strikes me 
that this ride must be doubly grateful 
in the heat of summer. We pay 50 
cents each for our ride. I did not ex- 
pect the proprietor, as he was a very 
friendly and affable man, would have 
charged me. Had he known his inter- 
ests or the interest of humanity, he 
would not, particularly as he saw I 
was lame and had come some distance 
out of the way, on a rough road, to see 
the place. There was a meanness in 
it that is unaccountable, but he was a 
Quaker. He said "he would leave it 
to myself to pay what I pleased." I 
would have paid ten times the amount 
rather tnan have imitated his mean- 
ness. 

I called at Mr. White's on my way 
to the tavern, and was pleased to find 
he had returned. This is the gentle- 
man mentioned some pages back, one 
of the most indefatigable men in Penn- 
sylvania; ne is in a great measure the 
patron and proprietor of the canal and 
railroad, and the only one of the com- 
pany who resides at Mauch Chunk. 
He is a middle-aged, keen, sensible 
man, genteel and affable, and a man of 
extensive knowledge. His family also 
resides here. Mrs. White, a most lady- 
like woman, I had called on before; 
she very politely walked about with 
me, explaining and showing me the 
works and the wonders of the place. 

They were both much displeased at 
the mismanagement of the people of 
the mines for sending the mule car- 
riage down, which occasioned the acci- 
dent, and which might have been at- 
tended with more serious consequences. 
He will doubtless take measures to pre- 
vent a similar accident. 

This extraordinary man seems to be 
peculiarly blessed with every thing 
which can render life desirable. He 
has the finest children I have seen in 
the State, particularly a very amiable, 
handsome and accomplished daughter, 
nearly grown. Their hospicality and 



34 



plainness of dress were exemplary, and 
a very great contrast to the ladles of 
the tavern. 

Being detained at Mr. White's till 
after tea (.by which time it was dark), 
Mr. W. ,a perfect gentleman, attended 
me to the tavern. 

Next day was set for my departure; 
as the stage went only every other day, 
I was forced to take the advantage, or 
wart longer than my arrangements ad- 
mitted. I would gladly have visited 
Wilkes-Barre, a few miles distant, a 
town on the Susquehanna, but the sea- 
son was too far advanced. I therefore 
shaped my course to Reading, and had 
to retrace my steps back nearly to 
Bethlehem. The stages did not start 
till in the afternoon, and in the mean- 
time I had the pleasure of a visit from 
Miss White and several other ladies of 
the place. 

This, with other marks of respect 
paid to me by the citizens, I saw gave 
infinite pain to the Philadelphia party; 
but it was amusing to see their last 
shift to entrap a beau. They took 
their departure some hours before I 
did, and "ma must get in the carriage" 
(which happened to be a hack), and 
they wouIq walk; "oh, we could not 
think of riding in a carriage upon such 
a dangerous road — oh, never! it is out 
of the question — we will walk." All 
this did not take; every young man 
stuck close to his room. 

There was a Dr. Somebody, who re- 
sided there; he ran over to see, and 
shook hands with me, and when he 
found what was going on he made his 
escape. But such pitying long look- 
backs I never saw. They walked slow, 
and every now and then would look 
back. Thus silly women disgust men 
of sense, and live and die old maids. 

The landlord did go with them, but 
for nothing else, I firmly believe, but 
to keep out of my way. He took care, 
however, to make arrangements for my 
bill before his departure, and charged 
me the highest bill I ever paid in the 
United States— $3,621/2 for two days! 
Shameful! He ought, if for nothing 
else, to be displaced for this barbarous 
act. 

At some distance from Mauch Chunk 
we met the p^entleman trudging back 
on foot, as he set out. I paid no more 
attention to him than if I had met a 
mastiff, and he looked as mean as he 
was. Now, this would have been an 
amiable man had it not been for his 
wife, who is at the head of the Tract 
Society at Mauch Chunk; for, if these 
missionaries could find people on the 
top of the Rocky Mountains they would 
go there to hunt for money. They have 
a considerable society at this place, of 



which Madam Tavernkeeper is at the 
head, and, of course, she rules her hus- 
band. I stopped for cue night at the 
Gap Tavern, being pleased with the 
place. 

I ought to have mentioned a little 
town on t^.s side of Mauch Chunk 
called Lehighton. It is quite a small 
place, but has a flourishing new ap- 
pearance, and distrngjiished for Jack- 
son poles, the tallest of the forest. 

I found the landlord of the Gap Tav- 
ern at home, a most interesting Ger- 
man, of mild, pleasant, and enticing 
manners, his fare good, and charges 
low. The German girls (his wife be- 
ing dead) who performed the work of 
the tavern, were certainly the most in- 
nocent, modest and obliging girls to 
be found in any of the States — they are 
the most silent of all women! Though 
all these spoke English well, such was 
their bashfulness, it was difficult to 
draw them into conversation; and, in 
neatness, they equal, but in industry, 
they leave the Yankee a long way be- 
hind. I admire these German girls for 
their silence (though they find tongues, 
a gentleman informed me, when they 
marry), and above all, for their pure 
and primitive manners, in which they 
greatly excel. 

After resting myself by the kitchen 
fire, admiring the neatness and ingen- 
uity of the cooking establishment, I 
walked into a large stove-room and 
took a silent cup of tea, after which, 
wanting some time of being sunset, I 
took a stroll about the premises. (The 
hearths of a German kitchen are rais- 
ed above the floor some feet, so that 
the cooks may not have to stoop over 
the fire.) Stepping into the store 
(mentioned as I went up) I found a 
comical amusing clerk, and, upon ask- 
ing him "of what his wares consisted," 
he replied "a little of every thing," and 
so it appeared. 

The next day after breakfast, I part- 
ed with my kind landlord, whose 
charge was fifty cents! and pursued 
my way to Reading, by Allentown. 
There was but one Teague (a very 
clever man by the way) in the stage, 
and an old soldier of the late war, a 
pensioner; he had served in Canada, 
and had suffered much hardship in 
the war from marching in the cold; he 
had had both feet frost-bitten off and 
had to be helped in and out of the 
stage, and, to add to his misfortune, he 
was a confirmed drunkard. 

For the sake of passing off the time, 
as he grew a little sober, I endeavored 
to convince him of the fatal conse- 
quence of drinking, which he readily 
admitted, and cried like a child. He 
was a man of good feeling, became 



35 



much attached to me during our ride, 
and, turning off toward New York, 
parted with me with seeming regret. 
"I find no such friends as you are, 
madam," said the unfortunate man, 
as he took leave. 

The Irishman was quite a genteel, 
decent and sensible man, whom, it ap- 
pears, was one of the contractors for 
the canal; but he never spoke but when 
I spoke to him, and knew but little of 
the country. 

Upon leaving the Blue Ridge the face 
of the country is still uneven, but not 
so rough and sterile as that on the 
Bethlehem road. Our way hung upon 
the Lehigh, which, and the smooth 
rounding hills, fertile meadows and 
neat farms, gave a pleasing variety to 
the landscape. One place particularly 
was a great curiosity being a lofty 
conical mountain in miniature. 

The valleys were rich, and abounded 
with Indian corn, meadows, clover 
fields, fallow land and some buckwheat 
and potatoes. Now and then, a string 
of Irishmen, on foot,with handkerchiefs 
full of clothes, slung to a shillelah, 
from their shoulders. 

The land becomes richer and less un- 
even as we appi'oach Allentown; the 
heights are covered with chestnut, and 
the valleys with large black walnut, 
large farms, and une orchards; the 
largest apple trees I ever saw; fine 
barns and houses, large sleek cattle, 
few sheep, and few horses in sight, 
but a number of fine hogs running at 
large in the woods. 

I was delighted as I drew near Allen- 
town, or, rather, recalled to mind for- 
mer days, which some call "pleasing 
melancholy." I am no stickler for 
names, but whatever reminds us of by- 
gone days always brings with it delight. 
The source of my delight was the rust- 
ling sound of the dry -eaves which lay 
in great profusion on the road, the 
trees being divested of them by the 
frost. The feet of the horses made the 
same noise I used to do with mine 
when a child. We arrived in Allen- 
town about dinnertime, which is only 
seventeen miles from Easton and six 
from Bethlehem, so that Pennsylvania 
cannot charge me with neglect or 
favoring myself, encountering, as I 
have, rocks and rivers, by night and 
day, to say nothing of high hills and 
high bills. 

ALLENTOWN. 

The stage-house is kept by a widow 
Stock, if I recollect; a bad house — dis- 
obliging, disnonest, smoky, dirty, stingy, 
and I might, with propriety, add more, 
but this is enough to warn travelers to 
avoid it. i founo dinner on the table 



when I went in, which was set for an 
eiuerly, fine-looking, tall, slender man, 
a Lutheran priest, and his young, beau- 
tiful and accomplished wife. I would 
(so would anyone) have taken her for 
his daughter. I should have blamed 
him much for marrying so far below 
his years, uUl for the temptation which 
I cannot see how he could resist, as it 
appears that all these priests, of what- 
soever age or sect, are mere flesh and 
blood like other people. I obtained 
their consent to dine at the table with 
them, and, ordering a cup of tea, made 
a tolerable dinner, though mere was 
not enough on the table for one person. 

In the meantime, I sent a note to 
Major Hutter, the son of Col. [C. J.] 
xiutter, of Easton, and regretted to find 
he was absent, as I wished him to pro- 
cure me a better house. This being 
the case, I submitted, and went to my 
chamoer, .a which I had ordered a fire, 
as the coldness of the day required one. 

My landlady walking before me to 
show me the room, upon opening the 
door we found it filled with smoke. She 
poinered about, stirred the wood, and 
could not tell what made it smoke — 
"never knew it to smoke before." This 
was nothing more than common, as 
falsehood can be nad everywhere for 
nothing, as well as tracts and bibles; 
but the trutu of the story was that it 
always uid smoke, and to such a degree 
that I had to extinguish the fire. But 
the cream of the story is that they 
made a separate charge for fire, rier 
son, who lived with her as barkeeper, 
I suspect, made out the account — as 
great a rogue as the world ever pro- 
duced — charged me as high as the fel- 
low of Mauch Chunk, and, being the 
agent who collects the fare from the 
Gap to Allentown, charged me 25 cents 
more than the fare, it being $1.00 only. 
His charge was $1.25, which I paid, not 
knowing any better at the time. 

I refused, however, to pay the extra- 
vagant bill, particularly the fire. I only 
paid a dollar for doing penace by suf- 
fering cold and hunger. 

Allentown is a very handsome town 
in Northampton [Lehigh] county, near 
the Lehigh. It stands upon an elevated 
site, surrounded on all sides by a vale. 
This, again, is surrounded by moun- 
tains and hills, forming a romantic and 
picturesque appearance. It appears to 
be a flourishing town, and does much 
business. It contains between 2,000 
and 3,1.00 inhabitants. The houses on 
the principal streets are handsome, 
showy buildings, but I learned little of 
the town, in consequence of the absence 
of Major x^utter. 

I walked a little ways over the town, 
and stepped into a bookstore, the pro- 



36 



prietor of which was an editor of a 
paper, but he was an ignorant, vulgar, 
unsociable man. He and the people of 
the tavern where I stopped were the 
first and only mean Germans I met with 
so far. I stepped into another editor's 
house, whose famny were polite and 
hospitable, but the gentleman was not 
in. I sat some time waiting for him, 
but as iL was growing late I left my 
card and uesired the family to request 
the gentleman to call on me, as I 
wished to learn something of the place. 
He did not, however, call. I do not 
recollect either of their names; they 
lived next door to each other. 

After canulenght two very genteel 
young men called on me ,which re- 
deemed the credit of the place. These 
were Mr. McFarlin, a lawyer, and Mr. 
Hecox, the principal of an academy. 
tiecox, for the honor of the Yankees, 
and the State which supports him, was 
a native ol New England. They both 
came in as well to pay their respects as 
to subscribe for my book. Unfortu- 
nately, I brought no books from Phila- 
delphia, except two or tnree, which I 
left in Easton, but I promised to send 
each a copy from Reading, to which 
place I had ordered some. They offered 
tlje price, which I refused until they 
snould receive the oooks. These were 
very amiable young men. Mr. McFar- 
lin was of middle size, oval face, good 
features and very fair. Mr. Hecox 
was a tall, well-turned figure, his face 
oval and ixandsome, with a counten- 
ance and eye of great expression. 

I walked into a store next morning, 
which was directly opposite my room. 
In conversing with the proprietor it 
appeared he had heard of me, but, 
though he wished me success and ab- 
jured the greycoats, he did not offer to 
patronize me; but, in justice to him, he 
presented me with a small paper box, 
which I was about to purchase for the 
safe keeping of my caps and other 
finery. I sull have the box, safe and 
sound, wnich always reminds me of 
Allentown. 

Being told Hon. ^s^ing. Senator of the 
Pennsylvania Legislature, lived in Al- 
lentown (but was absent also), I called 
a few minutes before my departure, 
and, much to my gratification, found 
him at home. Mr. King is an attorney, 
and said to be a man of talents and 
extensive wealth. He is, however, 
very plain and simple in his manners 
and equipage. He is a tall, slender 
made man, with a thin oval face, and 
keen black eye and black hair. His 
manners are, as I said, perfectly di- 
vested of pride or ostentation, and 
very familiar. 

Whilst I was waiting for Mr. King, 



Major Hutter, who had returned home 
tne previous night, and having called 
at the tavern to see me, followed me 
to Mr. King's, and, without ceremony, 
introduced himself. This is what I 
like — plain honesty seeking to unite 
with its kindred feeling. The Major 
was a plain but warm-hearted man, 
who would go all lengths for his friend. 
He had been taking a frolic, he said, 
the night before, upon the success of 
his efforts to elect General Jackson, he 
also being an editor. I had merely 
time to exchange a few words with 
these gentlemen, when the Easton 
stage arrived, in which i was to take 
my seat to Reading. 

The Irishman, who put up at another 
and a better house (it is hoped), was 
again my fellow passenger; also a 
very genteel stout man, of much infor- 
mation and very easy manners, who 
lived between Allentown and Reading; 
likewise, a great middle aged rough 
man, who proved to be a constable, 
from Easton. The Irishman, as usual, 
said but little, but was sober and very 
civil. The Easton man was bold and 
brazen, and having taken a dram, had 
a great deal to say about some mat- 
ter of secret importance, upon which 
he was then on a visit to the Governor. 
But of all the pleasant travelling com- 
panions I ever travelled with, the gen- 
tleman who lived in the neighborhood 
was the most so. He at first address- 
ed a few words to the Easton man, 
whom he slightly knew, and, by de- 
grees, he and I fell into conversation 
about the country, which passed in 
general and common placed remarks, 
but his talent lay in wit, pleasant 
stories, and anecdotes, in which he in- 
dulged merely for the sake of render- 
ing himself agreeable. He was a well 
bred, warm-hearted German, though 
he pronounced the English language 
with purity and ease. He related more 
humorous Irish bulls than I ever heard 
or read in my life; but finding, at 
length, that the silent man was an 
Irishman, he turned in upon the Ger- 
mans, and gave them no quarters. He 
was the best mimic I ever heard, and 
kept us in convulsions during his ride. 
But at length he arrived at his dwell- 
ing, and a scene succeeded of no very 
pleasant nature. 

The Easton man called the gentle- 
man 'squire something; which name I 
am sorry I do not recollect. 

After the gentleman left us there 
was a dead silence in the stage, and 
the Easton man, whose manners and 
looks I disliked at first, had called at 
all the taverns to drink, doubtless. He 
kept within bounds, however, till we 
stopped at Koutztown to dine and 



37 



change horses; but, in the meantime, 
he eyed me with much malignity and 
evident design — in short, with loolts of 
a thoroughbred assassin. He was pale 
from rage, but never spoke a word. He 
doubtless took offense at a sharp re- 
proof I gave him shortly after we left 
AUentown, upon his addressing me in 
a marked speech of obscene insolence, 
at least what I would call such. He 
was further provoked that I treated 
him with contempt, while I conversed 
freely with the other gentlemen. 

Koutztown is about half way be- 
tween Easton and Reading — eighteen 
miles from each. Here I dined. But 
the Easton man, who had been boast- 
ing of his wealth.had not money enough 
to buy whiskey, but went upon credit. 
We had an excellent driver to this 
place, but the driver from Koutztown 
to Reading being sick, a trifling, drunk- 
en tailor took charge of the stage to 
drive us to Reading, i^e was a good 
match for the other at the bottle, and 
stopped at every tavern to drink on the 
road. He, of course, had to treat the 
Easton ruman, as he had no money. 
They would spend so much time drink- 
ing in the taverns that he had to drive 
unmercifully to make up the time. I 
was sorry for the horses. A very gen- 
teel colored man joined us at Koutz- 
town, and it is well he did, as he was a 
sober, well-behaved man, and took care 
of the horses. 

We had proceeded but a short dis- 
tance, however, from the dininghouse, 
when the Easton ruffian could contain 
his rage no longer, and vented his ran- 
cor in a volley of oaths and personal 
abuse — the liquor had worked him into 
a perfect phrenzy. "You pretend to go 
about the country writing books; you 
are an imposter; I am in the peace; I 
will send you to jail; I'll see what you 
have in these trunks." Every now and 
then he would lay hold of one or other 
of my trunks (which were in the stage) 
and kick them about with his feet. 
"I'll let you know you shall not travel 
over the country; I am in the commis- 
sion of the peace (he had this over an 
hundred times) ; I'll fix you when we 
get to Reading." Thus he continued 
the whole way, foaming at the mouth 
with rage. He appeared o..en upon the 
point of striking me — had his fistraised 
over my head several times — and, had 
it not been tor his cowardice and the 
presence of the Irish gentleman, he 
certainly would have committed some 
outrage. The Irishman (I shall always 
love the Pats after this) spoke to him 
very sharply upon the impropriety of 
treating passengers in that manner; 
said he had traveled with me two days 
and found me a civil, decent woman. 



This would silence him a while, but 
tae whiskey had the final command of 
his senses. I appealed to the driver, a 
palavering, drunken fellow, but he was 
a bird of the same feather. I think 
Easton must bkulfi to find it put such 
a ruffian in the peace, as he called it, 
and nothing saved him from being put 
where he ought to have been long since 
but want of time on my part. 

It appeared he was going to the Gov- 
ernor of the State with a petition for a 
reprieve for some woman at Easton 
wnom the court condemned for some 
crime. 

The road from AUentown to Reading 
passes over some of the finest farming 
land in Pennsylvania. It must be un- 
derstood that from the care and skill 
of the Pennsylvania farmers the land 
is never suffered to lose in point of 
fertility. They have made farming a 
perfect science and pursue a regular 
routine in changing their crops from 
one thing to another, by which means 
land originally rich is still the same 
and produces as much as at first, and 
land originally poor (of which there 
appears to have been very little) has 
become fertilized. I have seen noth- 
ing in any of the Atlanuc States, in the 
farming Lne, that has any resemblance 
to the farming in Pennsylvania. Father 
and son, grandfather and so on, have 
become rich on the same tract of land. 
I see nothing like poverty in the coun- 
try, whatever there may be in the 
towns. The great, massy barns, with 
elegant sash and glass windows, their 
overgrown horses and cattle, their 
smooth ploughed furrows, their hay- 
stacks and snug, warm houses, with 
coffers full of specie, their thick, ser- 
viceable cloths, the ease and content- 
ment, and, above all, that noble inde- 
pendence which marks their steady 
looks and movements, prove them to 
be a wealthy and happy people. Not 
a priest, or greycoat I mean, ever gets 
footing amongst them. 

But, to return, the land at first is 
uneven, yet rich, and increases in fer- 
tility and beauty till we arrive at Read- 
ing, on the Schuylkill. Here, again, I 
must observe the fine roads and strong 
stone bridges, the great mills, &c. 

This State differs in another respect 
both from New York and New England. 
Almost every mile you see a road 
branching off. and as sure to see a sign 
board, neatly painted, with the name 
of the place to which the roaa leads, 
the index and number of miles. I have 
seen five of tnese indexes on one sign- 
post. 

I had an extensive and variegated 
view of those great German farms (no 
wonder Dr. Ely wanted to get hold of 



38 



them) from the nature of the country 
itself. Continually descending and 
ascending these eminences, I had a 
view of every alternate valley. 

From the delay of our drunkards, it 
was after sunset when we arrived at 
Reading. I ought to have remarked 
the Jackson poles everywhere to be 
seen on the road, with a green bough 
growing, as it were, out of the top, and 
L^e star-spangled banner flying with 
"Jackson and Liberty." But a little 
distance on this side of Koutztown we 
were fairly blocked up by a great hick- 
ory tree, with every limb on it as it 
grew, and a great party of men, women 
and children, some in carriages, some 
in chaises, some in single chairs, some 
in dearborns and many on horseback. 
They happened to turn out to a tavern 
to invite their neighbors to join them 
doubtless and drink the health of the 
General or it would have been impos- 
sible to have passed them, as the bushy 
top of the hickory completely filled up 
the road. Several hundred assemble 
at the raising of these trees and dance 
and frolick several days. The whole of 
these Germans appear to be for Jack- 
son. If you happen to ask the small- 
est child its name the word is not al- 
lowed to be finished before the little 
thing sings out, "Jackson. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHESRELATING 
TO EASTON AND NORTHAMP- 
TON COUNTY, PA., AND 
THEIR INHABITANTS. 



Miscellaneous Local Conditions 
Events in the '30s. 



and 



NEW SERIES— NO. 3. 



Contributed by Etnan A. Weaver. 



Three score and ten years is a long 
time to look back to, and few are liv- 
ing who remember Easton in 1831, 
with which year this contribution be- 
gins. 

It is a rare instance where one finds 
a man who three quarters of a century 
ago was prominently identified with a 
community, and yet you have in your 
midst one who 78 years ago and for 
many years aiterwards, was actively 
engaged in mercantile pursuits in your 
city and otuerwise identified with its 
interests. Mr. Samuel Drinkhouse was 
a merchant and manufacturer in Eas- 
ton as early as January, 1824 — six 
months before Lafayette made his fam- 
ous visit to the United States, and 
twelve months before the meeting in 
White's Tavern, which led to the 
founding of the college on the north 
side of the Bushkill. 

Easton was then a borough of 3,000 
people, bounded on the east, south and 
north by the Delaware, Lehigh and 
Buskill respectively, and on the west 
by John or Sixth street, beyond which 
was farm land described as "the bar- 
rens." College Hill was covered by 
farms and woodland, and the Lehigh 
hills were ehiefiy a wilderness, through 
which passed the road to Philadelphia, 
and toward which the villagers turned 
their faces when the stage coach horn 
announced its approach with the mail 
and passengers from the latter city. 

In 1831 Mr. Drinkhouse made the 
unique announcement in the columns 
of one of your newspapers "that he 
still continues the hatting business at 
his stand in Pomfret [Third] street, a 
few doors above Hackett s Tavern, and 
taree doors from the Public Square, 
where he has on hand and will con- 
stantly keep an extensive assortment 
of Black and Drab Gentlemen's Beaver, 
Castor and Roram Hats. * * *" 

My readers are left to determine the 
characteristics of the gentlemen de- 
scribed as black and drab, and perhaps 
some may have in their possession, 
stored in their garrets, hats of the vint- 
age of 1831, belonging to the classes 
called "Beaver, Castor and Roram." 

Other business men of the time were 
James Renton, proprietor of the "Eas- 



3i> 



ton Boot and Shoe Store," next door to 
S. & N. Depue's store, in Northampton 
street, east of the Court House. His 
competitor was John Kelly, opposite 
the "Green Tree Inn" [Franklin House]. 

Opposite to the "Green Tree" was 
also located Michael Bush, clock and 
watch maicer, as well as jeweler and 
silversmith. 

George L. Gerhard was the merchant 
tailor of the town until the following 
year, when his storeroom was taken 
possession of by John Finley, who 
opened therein a barber and hair- 
dresser shop. The locaiion was then 
designated as 40i/^ Northampton street. 

Gerhara s competitor was Charles A. 
Keller, who was located a few doors 
west of the Washington Hotel, on 
Northampton street, east of the old 
Easton Bank building, and near him 
Charles G. Von Tagen, late of Miller & 
Von Tagen, who had been burnt out in 
the great fire of March, 1831, at North- 
ampton and Sitgreaves street, resumed 
business as a dealer in groceries and 
liquors. 

Dr. Samuel D. Gross, afterward 
America's greatest surgeon, was strug- 
gling for a livelihood by trying to keep 
others alive, and occupied an office in 
the house of the then late Gen. Henry 
Spering ^Detwiler residence). Centre 
Square, in which building also William 
Ross had a law office. This building 
was also, I believe, the residence of 
Governor Wolf. 

The Norfhampton County Fire Insu- 
rance Company announced its readi- 
ness about this time to issue policies 
of insurance. Evan Rees was its sec- 
retary. 

Henry Hammann, bookseller and sta- 
tioner, announced Olney's school geog- 
raphy. 

N. Solomon opened a lottery office in 
Phillipsburg, next door to Mr. Muir- 
head's, foot of the Easton bridge.where 
he sold the tickets of the New York 
Consolidated, Delaware and Union 
Canal Lotteries. 

Reichert & Bruce began a partner- 
ship in June, 1831, as tailors, both of 
men and women's wear, at the stand 
on Northampton street, a few doors 
east of the Square, where Philip Reich- 
ert had for twenty years singly attend- 
ed to these wants. 

About this time also John Titus and 
McEvers Forman made their announce- 
ment in a three-quarters column that 
they have commenced business in the 
store lately occupied by Eseck Howell, 
at the southwest corner of Northamp- 
ton street and the public square. 

Other business men, briefly noted, 
were: 

Wagener & Hoagland, dry goods, 



Northampton street, near the Delaware 
Bridge. 

Peter S. Michler and John Sletor 
(not as partners, but as competi- 
tors) sold stone coal, as it was always 
then called, at the whar^ below the 
Lehigh bridge. 

G. S. Moore, boarding, in the three- 
story brick opposite the Easton Bank. 

F. L. Crane, surgeon dentist, adjoin- 
ing the Easton Hotel (White's). 

Hughes & Wagner, saddlers, oppo- 
site the "Green Tree Inn." 

Thomas Roberts, at the old stand of 
John A. Everitt,26 Northampton street, 
began business in clock making. 

William G. Miller was a house, sign, 
carriage and ornamental painter.whilst 
Thomas J. Natt was somewhat more 
artistic with his brush, and announced 
himself as a "portrait and miniature 
painter." 

Philip B. Kelchner was a tailor in 
Northampton street, a few doors below 
Eichman & Deshler's store, and nearly 
opposite Miller & Voute's watchmaker 
shop. 

William Lorimer also engaged in 
this business opposite the Green Tree. 

George Sauerbier, hats of every de- 
scription, corner of Northampton and 
Hamilton streets, opposite the Jackson 
Hotel and a few doors below Shouse's 
"Green Tree Inn." He contested prices 
with Wetherill Lee. 

There were others, but to trace out 
the various business interests of Eas- 
ton from year to year would be a 
kaleidoscope of changes of a little 
more interest to your readers than has 
the reading of a business directory. 

The various associations, religious, 
military and others, at this period 
were much in evidence and contributed 
greatly to the social life of the 
town, which at this period, due to the 
internal improvements then begun in 
the direction of building canals to 
carry coal and various other products 
to the tide-water markets, was develop- 
ing the town into one of considerable 
importance as a mercantile centre, by 
which it was becoming known to the 
outside world. 

The Northampton County Bible So- 
ciety was twelve years old on April 26, 
1831, when it was reported that 1,150 
Bibles had been distributed in the 
county during the year, 900 of these in 
eighteen townships. Rev. Thomas 
Pomp was its president. Rev. John 
Gray, secretary, and Thomas McKeen, 
treasurer. 

Its associate was the Female Bible 
Association, of Easton, organized a 
year later. Its work was similar to 
that of the above named. Its presi- 
dent was Lucy Hicks, and secretary D. 



40 



Howell. 

The Beneficial Society, which had a 
long existence in after years, had at 
this time J. P. Deringer as its secre- 
tary. 

The Northampton County Temper- 
ance Society was founded in 1830, and 
was active for a number of years. 
Among its members at this time were 
S. Kennedy, President; Jacob Wage- 
ner. Vice President; C. Dusenberry, 
Secretary; Jesse M. Howell, Treasur- 
er. Charles Rodenbough, F. I. Browne, 
S. Davis, William Hummell, F. A. Fick- 
ardt, A. Prior, Mrs. Fickardt, Miss E. 
Hunt and Miss E. Heckman, Mr. Wage- 
ner represented the Society in the 
'lemperance convention in August, held 
at Harrisburg. 

Prior to the formation of the paid 
fire department, the volunteer compan- 
ies had long been in existence, and in 
its ranks were to be found all classes 
of citizens — if a classification of citi- 
zenship as nowadays interpreted, then 
existed at all — and many nave been the 
tales told of perilous adventure and 
marvelous escapes. I have often re- 
gretted that your city did not preserve 
as a remembrance of these times its 
oldest fire engine, one of those which 
was fed by water from leather buckets 
— the supply of which often had to be 
secured from one of the streams which 
surrounds the old town on three sides, 
the filled uuckets being passed along 
by a "bucket line" from one person to 
the other until it reached the tank of 
the engine, around which stood those 
who manned the pump and directed 
the stream. The empty buckets were 
often passed back to the source of 
supply along a line formed of women, 
children and old people. 

The Phoenix Fire Company, whose 
origin dates from January 17, 1824, 
seems to have been the most prosper- 
ous at this period. It numbered among 
its members James McKeen, Peter 
Winter, George Gross, John Sleter, Jr., 
Benjamin S. Shultz, John Hartzell, 
David Gosner, Samuel Taylor, John 
Osterstock, David Connor, Jacob Mett- 
ler, Samuel Adams, John Slough, 
Charles Worman, Charles G. Von Tag- 
en, Christian Kisselbach, Furman M. 
Campbell, L. C. Voute, Dr. Samuel 
Kennedy, Charles Kitchen, George 
Housel, Alexander Wilson, Jr., A. H. 
Bixler, George A. Hice, Wimam Bruce, 
Daniel W. bavis, George Luckenbach, 
Daniel Wagner, Jr., Edward Seip 
(olacksmith), George Kutz and Samuel 
Shick. 

The Jackson Fire Company came in- 
to existence about this time, Benjamin 
Ihrie was Secretary, and the latter 
was also during the same year the Sec- 



retary of the Easton Fire Company. 
These companies seem to have later 
been merged with the Columbia Fire 
Company wnose secretaries were Ben- 
jamin i-irie, Daniel L. Bixler and J. 
Laubach for the years 1831-32 and '33 
respectively. 

The Niagara Fire Company was also 
in existence and its secretary in 1832 
was Edward W. Barnet, who the fol- 
lowing year was succeeded by William 
v^arhart. 

In 1832 the Northampton Fire Com- 
pany appears with William Hammann 
as Secretary, who was succeeded in 
1832 by E. A. Reeder and in 1834 by 
Solon Horn. 

The Humane Fire Company, whose 
beginning dates back more than a 
century, was of course in existence in 
1832, but the Vigilant Hose Company, 
instituted August 4th, 1820, appears to 
have gone out of existence. 

The militia was at this period in the 
zenith of its glory — about tnirty years 
earlier it had assumed considerable 
proportions, and became quite a factor 
in political and social aitairs. Thirty 
years later, with the breaking out of 
the southern rebellion, the old time 
militia became a memory, but its use- 
fulness was felt in the excellence of 
oincers and enlisted soldiers in both 
armies who had previously been con- 
nected with the militia. 

Probably the leading militia organi- 
zation at this period was the First <^ity 
Troop, of which J. R. Lattimore was 
captain, having recently succeeded 
James M. Porter. Abraham Miller was 
first lieutenant and Hiram Yard, who 
became captain the following year 
(1832), was second lieutenant. Other 
officers were Enoch T. Clark, cornet; 
Aaron Snyder, orderly sergeant (who 
was succeeded in 1832 by A. Prior) ; 
William Green, secretary; John Mar- 
bacher, sergeant. 

The Washington Grays were also a 
popular company o- infantry. Among 
its members were Thomas Kreidler, 
George W. Barnet, Daniel B. Wagner, 
Thomas Gwinner and J. H. Keller. 

The Citizens' Volunteers was the 
senior of ^^e above, and dates from 
june 15, 1821. Among its members 
were B. b. Shultz, J. P. Hetrich, Joseph 
Hampton, Valentine Wagener, J. K. 
Wright, D. W. Butz and Sidney Down. 

At an election held on April 9, 1831, 
for lieutenant colonel of the Ninety- 
seventh Regiment, First Brigade, Sev- 
enth Division, Pennsylvania Militia, 
tiie following votes were polled, from 
which it will be perceived that Capt. 
Joseph Levers was elected by a major- 
icy of 89 votes: 

First Bat. Second Bat. 



41 



Easton. 
Levers . . . .356 
Wagener . . 246 
Transue .... 5 
Stout 5 



Butzville. Total. 

ut 408 

73 319 

43 48 

40 45 



June 1, 1831 (the records tell us), 
made its appearance in Easton "hot as 
a burning lover," the Liiermometer 
ranging from 89 to 96 degrees. 

The Fourth of July, 1831, was cele- 
brated in a manner usual in those times 
— in true patriotic style. Athletic 
sports, excursions to popular resorts 
and other methods of passing the day, 
now so much indulged in, were un- 
known. Preparations were early be- 
gun, and the celebrations were appro- 
priate to the occasion and invariably 
successfully carried out. 

FOURTH OF J ULY. 

[1831] 

Fifty-fifth Anniversary of American 

Independence. 

The committee of arrangements of 
the "Citizen Volunteers" have adopted 
the following as the order of the day: 

1. The day will be ushered in by a 
gun at daybreak. 

2. A Federal salute will be fired at 
sunrise and the bells rung. 

3. The company will assemble at 8 
o'clock a. m. at the usual place, and, 
after marching through the principal 
streets of this borough, will proceed to 
the first lock on the Delaware Canal, 
embark on board the packetboat George 
Wolf and proceed down the canal to 
the house of Daniel Raub. 

4. The Declaration of Independence 
read by B. S. Shultz. 

5. An oration by Dr. F. A. Pickardt. 

6. The company will set down to 
dinner at 1 o'clock p. m., and at half 
past 4 o'clock take up the line of marcn 
for Easton. 

Those of our fellow citizens not 
otherwise engaged are respectfully in- 
vited to join with us in the celebration. 
VAL. WAGENER, 
B. S. SHULTZ, 
JOSEPH HAMPTON. 

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION. 

The "Washington Grays" will cele- 
brate the coming anniversary of Ameri- 
can Independence in the following 
manner: 

The company will assemble for pa- 
rade at 8 o'clock in the morning, at the 
arsenal. 

At 10 o'clock a. m. they will proceed 
to the Stone Church [First Reformed], 
where the order of ceremonies will be 
as follows: Prayer, by the Rev'd. J. P. 
Hecht; Declaration of Independence 
read by Major Charles J. Ihrie; ora- 
tion, by Rev'd. J. P. Hecht. 



The company will partake of a din- 
ner at the house of Mrs. Titus. Din- 
ner to be on the table at 2 o'clock p. 
m. precisely. 

The citizens are particularly invit- 
ed to participate in the celebration 
and dinner. Application to be made 
at "the Point" or either of the commit- 
tee. 

SAMUEL YOHE, 
W. M. FIELD, 
GEO. W. BARNET. 

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION. 

The "First Easton Troop of Cavalry" 
and a number of their fellow citizens 
will celebrate the approaching anniver- 
sary of American Independence in the 
following manner: 

The Troop according to order, will 
parade in the Centre aquare at 9 
o'clock a. m. precisely. 

At half past 10 o'clock a. m. they 
will proceed to the English [First] 
Presbyterian Church, where the order 
of ceremonies will be as follows: 
Prayer, by the Rev'd. John Gray; Dec- 
laration of Independence read by R. 
M. Brooke, Esq.; oration, by A. Prior, 
Esq. The whole to be interspersed 
with appropriate music. 

The Troop and such citizens as are 
disposed to join with them, will par- 
take of a dinner to be prepared by 
Mr. William Shouse, which will be on 
the table at half past one o'clock p. 
m. 

The citizens generally are respect- 
fully invited to join in the celebration 
and dinner. Application to be made 
to either of the undersigned Commit- 
tee of arrangement. 

ABRAHAM MILLER, 

HIRAM YARD, 

W. GREEN, 

ROBERT MAY BROOKE, 

ENOCH S. CLARK. 

The magnificent oration delivered by 
Dr. F. A. Fickardt, and which in print 
covered ten columns of the "Whig," 
closed as follows: 

"Fellow Soldiers: I have thus en- 
deavored, however imperfectly, to dis- 
charge the duty assigned me. Permit 
me, in conclusion, to express the high 
degree of satisfaction I feel at the pub- 
lic testimony you have this day given 
of your generous devotion to the prin- 
ciples of civil liberty in paying a re- 
spectful attention and affectionate 
gratitude to the surviving members of 
our Revolution. I love to oce the 
youthful soldier of 1831 on this day of 
freedom's festival bowing with submis- 
sion and affectionate deference to the 
superior claims of the veterans of '76. 
It is but a few more years thatwe shall 
be permitted to look upon a soldier of 



42 



the American Revolution. Tliose re- 
vered remnants of our heroic predeces- 
sors are fast falling beneath the pres- 
sure of many years. And that few of 
whom, it is our pride to boast and 
whose presence gives a peculiar sol- 
emnity and character to this day's 
celebration, will probably pass away 
before another similar occasion. Recol- 
lect, therefore, and appreciate the zeal, 
the devotedness and the heroism of 
those wno achieved the glorious vic- 
tory of Independence which we are this 
uay assembled to commemorate. Look 
upon those time-worn warriors, the 
last of that Spartan band, who battled 
for freedom against the most powerful 
nation tnai ever went forth to trample 
upon a people's rights; think of those 
days of toil and peril and privation 
through which they labored for their 
country and for man; bring into view 
those migniy deeds by which tyranny 
was crushed and freedom achieved; 
look around on the glorious effects of 
those achievements upon the moral 
and political and physical state of this 
mighty though youthful nation. Be- 
hold its powerful influence, too, upon 
the vast continent of Europe and the 
islands of the sea, and then you may 
know how to appreciate the services of 
the surviving representatives of those 
days who fought for the blessings 
which we and the world enjoy; then 
you may kindle with that martial and 
patriotic ardor, that ennobling emula- 
tion, that genuine love of country and 
that profound gratitude to the Sover- 
eign of the Universe which this anni- 
versary is so well calculated to pro- 
duce. And may I not be permitted to 
say that were foreign despotism ever 
again to undertake its damnable cru- 
sade against the liberties of our nation 
you would prove yourselves worthy of 
your Revolutionary fathers — worthy of 
the proud title of citizen-soldiers of the 
greatest and freest country upon earth. 
"Soldiers of the Revolution! We 
this day look upon you with veneration 
and respect. We associate with you 
all that national happiness and pros- 
perity with which we are surrounded. 
Your brilliant deeds are to be seen and 
read upon our flourishing commerce 
and agricuiLure, arts and sciences. 
Liberty is now rearing temples to the 
perpetuation of your illustrious doings 
in the midst of European despotism. 
11, is true that in a few years you will 
have followed your Revolutionary asso- 
ciates to the silent mansion of the 
grave; but, while liberty has a torch 
and a temple, while freedom continues 
to shea its glorious beams upon tue 
hearts of a grateful people, the mem- 
ory of the ueroes of the American Rev- 



olution shall remain like a precious, 
priceless deposit in tue hearts of in- 
creasing millions of freemen." 

The citizens of this place caused 
minute guns to be fired on Saturday 
last, July y, 1831, on account of the 
death of James Monroe, late President 
Ox the United States. A procession 
was then lormed of the citizens, who, 
with music playing a solemn dirge, 
proceeded to the court house, where a 
brier and extemporaneous review of 
the life anu public services of this dis- 
tinguished patriot was given to the 
crowded audience by Col. James M. 
Porter. 

Our paper of today ["Whig," July 12, 
1831] is almost exclusively devoted to 
the speeches and toasts of the different 
celebration of the anniversary of our 
National Independence. It gives us 
pleasure to record them. When we 
cease to celebrate with becoming joy 
and festivity the birthday of our free- 
dom we fear we shall be out little wor- 
thy of a continuance of that liberty for 
which so much treasure and blood was 
spent. The splendid company of Wash- 
ington Grays proceeded to the Stone 
Church [First Reformed], where an 
oration was delivered by Rev. John ^ . 
Recht, after which they partook of a 
sumptuous dinner at the Point. 

The "First Easton Troop," CaptJohn 
R. Lattimore, paraded at an early hour. 
We were not present at their celebra- 
tion, but we are told that the ceremo- 
nies connected with it were such as re- 
flects credit on all concerned. After 
having escorted all our Revolutionary 
soldiers through some of the principal 
streets in an elegant carriage, prepared 
for that purpose, they proceeded to the 
tirst Presbyterian Church, where Rev. 
John Gray addressed the Throne of 
Grace in an appropriate and fervent 
prayer, after which the Declaration of 
Independence was read by Robert May 
Brooke, Esq., and an address delivered 
by A. Prior, Esq., which we have in- 
serted in this day's paper, the whole 
interspersed with elegant and appropri- 
ate music. The whole performances, 
especially those connected with the 
church, are said to have been exceed- 
ingly interesting, as was evident from 
the apparent delight and profound at- 
tention they were listened to by a 
large and intelligent audience. The 
company and a number of strangers 
amed at William Shouse's Green Tree 
Hotel [Franklin House]. 

The "Wiiole Hog Jackson and Wolf 
Men" celebrated at Capt. John Burt's 
Swan Tavern. 



43 



CELEBRATION OF THE FOURTH 
OF JULY. 

The Citizen Volunteers, or "Blues" 
paraded according to arrangement & 
at 10 o'clock a. m. proceeded down the 
iJelaware riVer to the house of Daniel 
Raub, Esq. At 12 o'clock the Declara- 
tion of Independence was read by 
Lieut. B. S. Shultz and an oration de- 
livered by Dr. Fickardt, after which 
the company sat down to an excellent 
dinner prepared for the occasion. Af- 
ter the cloth was removed Capt. V. 
Wagener was appointed President and 
Lieut. B. S. Shultz and J. P. Hetrich 
Vice Presidents, when the following 
toasts were drank, accompanied by ap- 
propriate music and the discharge of 
artillery: 

1. The day we celebrate — the bright- 
est on the page of American history. 
When we cease to hail it with delight 
may we cease to exist. 

One gun and nine cheers. 

2. The President of the United States. 
One gun and nine cheers. 

3. The Governor of the State of 
Pennsylvania. 

One gun and six cheers. 

4. The memory of Washington. His 
life was as the noonday and his death 
was like the setting sun in a clear sky, 
dispensing light to the whole world. 
Peace to his ashes. 

Drank in silence. 

5. Charles Carroll of Carrollton — the 
last scion of a noble work. May com- 
fort and happiness surround him in his 
last days. 

One gun and nine cheers. 

6. Tne departed heroes of the Revo- 
lution. While we do homage to tlie 
living, let us not forget to honor the 
patriot dead. 

Drank in silence. 

7. The memory of Robert Emmett, 
Esq. Soon may his country take her 
rank among the nations of the earth 
and his epitaph be written. 

One gun and six cheers. 

8. The Poles. Their motto is to 
conquer or die. May the God of bat- 
tles crown their efforts and add one 
more to the list of free nations. 

One gun and nine cheers. 

9. France. She knows how to gain 
her liberty and the great LaFayette 
can teach her how to use it. 

One gun and six cheers. 

10. Our country- 

"We swear to keep thee great and free, 
Columbia, land of liberty." 
One gun and nine cheers. 

11. The next Legislature. May they 
be men who will not refuse to take an 
interest in volunteers. 

Three cheers. 



12. Military discipline. When it is 
not found in the general it cannot be 
expected in the subaltern offlcer. 

Three cheers. 

13. Our wives and sweethearts. 
"Oh woman, in the hour of ease. 
Coy, uncertain, hard to please; 
When pain and sickness cloud the brow, 
A ministering angel thou." 

One gun and thirteen cheers. 

VOLUNTEERS. 

By the President — The Volunteers of 
Pennsylvania. May they never want 
strength or courage to defend their 
liberty, the glorious inheritance pur- 
chased by the blood of our forefathers 
and transmitted to posterity. 

By the First Vice President — Gov- 
ernor Wolf. His virtue and integrity 
placed him where he is, and he will 
never disgrace the seat. 

By the Second Vice President — Do- 
mestic manufactures and internal im- 
provements. Every patriot should ex- 
tend to them his support. Their en- 
couragement is the true mode of en- 
riching our country and securing our 
independence. 

By Quartermaster Wright — African 
slavery, the only degradation in the 
character of America. May it soon be 
aoolished forever. 

By Sergeant Hampton — The Decla- 
ration of Independence, the master- 
piece of numan invention. 

By Sergeant Mason — The Tree of 
Liberty. May it flourish until its 
uoughs extend to the uttermost parts 
of the earth and all nations seek shel- 
ter under its brancnes. 

By Isaac Hughes — May the saddle 
seat of office never be occupied by the 
incompetent nor the reins of govern- 
ment deputed to those who require 
either curb or spur. 

By Thomas M'Nulty — Gen. James 
Montgomery, the brave ,the noble sol- 
dier. His name will be gratefully 
remembered by every spirited soldier. 

By N. Snultz, of Philadelphia— The 
surviving heroes of '76. Instead of 
rags and pauperism, they deserve 
wealth and honors at the hands of 
their country. 

By A. Sigman — Governor Wolf. May 
he fill the office of Governor for nine 
years. 

By Peter Vougt — The heroes and 
sages who engaged in the death strug- 
gle of our liberties. They are kept in 
remembrance by high and holy feel- 
ings. 

By Edward L. Garren — The departed 
heroes of the Revolution. May their 
names be engraved on the heart of 
every American. 

By C. D. Horn — Gen. Washington. 



44 



In war unsurpassed, in peace un- 
equalled. 

By D. Drinkhouse — The Senate and 
House of representatives. May the 
interests of their constituents and not 
their private and political controver- 
sies engross their attention. 

By a guest — Success to all the fish- 
ermen, except those who fish for office. 

By Capt. Mellec — The Federal Union 
of the States, in peace a glory and in 
war a shield. 

By C. Grotz— The Poles. With the 
brave Skrzyneck at their head we trust 
they may finally triumph. 

By Amos Rodgers — Our country. Its 
government should be administered in 
harmony and good will; if not, we loose 
our standing as republicans abroad. 

Joseph Shepherd — Gen. Washington. 
The hero of 76, the Father of our Inde- 
pendence. May he ever be kept in re- 
memberance. 

By J. N. Wagener — May the thread 
of life be cut from every man who 
tramples upon State rights. 

By Daniel Raub, Esq. — The memory 
of Washington. 

By the company — The strangers who 
have honored us with their presence 
this day. We extend to them the hand 
of friendship and hail them as broth- 
ers. 

By a guest — The Citizen Volunteers. 
"They shail not die, but live." 

By the company — The young and el- 
oquent orator of the day; his appro- 
priate address has been made a strong 
impression on his hearers. 

By F. A. Fickardt— The Blues, true 
as their own color; their splendid ap- 
pearance of today reflects credit on 
their officers and themselves, and their 
military appearance furnishes bond 
and assurance to their country, that 
her honor would be safe in their keep- 
ing. In peace or war, success to the 
Blues! 

By the company — Our worthy and 
accommodating host, neat and tasteful 
arrangement and his good cheer, en- 
title him to our warmest thanks. 



In 1829. "The First Easton Troop" 
of cavalry, then recently organized, 
made a tender of its services to escort 
Governor-elect Wolf from his home at 
Easton to the State Capital at Harris- 
burg, but which this Democrat of Dem- 
ocrats respectfully declined, believing 
as he did, that in a republican form of 
government it was impolitic if not 
dangerous for the people to "flatter 
the vanity of their public servants be- 
fore they have been tried, by display of 
pomp and show." 

Two years later, on July 11, Gover- 



nor Wolf paid a visit to his old home 
at Easton. "Whilst here," says a con- 
temporary newspaper, "he received the 
calls of his numerous friends and left 
us with the good will of all his old 
neighbors and friends, save a few who 
had been disappointed in their expecta- 
tions as to the 'loaves and fishes.' " 

"He received an invitation to a pub- 
lic dinner from our citizens, which he 
declined; a congratulatory address 
from the Bar, to which he replied, and 
the offer of an escort from the Citizen 
Volunteers, our oldest volunteer corps, 
which he also declined. We give to- 
day the correspondence in relation to 
these matters." 

"Mr. Wolf's tour has no doubt 
put him in possession of much valu- 
able information in relation to our in- 
ternal improvements, and the develop- 
ing resources of our State, which could 
not be correctly obtained except by 
personal observation, and we antici- 
pate its application by him, to pur- 
poses of public usefulness." 

"From wnat we learn by the public 
prints, we would infer that the Gover- 
nor has been received with marked at- 
tention in every part of our State 
which he visited, and the people of the 
West seem much pleased with his 
plain and unostentatious manners and 
not a little gratified at his taking the 
pains to satisfy himself in relation to 
their great interests, by p'ersonal in- 
spection." 

[The correspondence.] 

Easton, July 13, 1831. 
To His Excellency George Wolf, Gov- 
ernor of Pennsylvania. 
Sir: The undersigned officers of the 
volunteer artillery company of "Citi- 
zen Volunteers" attached to the 97th 
Regiment of Pennsylvania Militia beg 
leave, on behalf of that corps, to ten- 
der to your Excellency their escort on 
your leaving this place on Friday next 
for the seat of government. 

We are aware how averse you are to 
unnecessary parade, but hope that this 
company, composed principally of 
young men of this place, who have 
grown up under your eye, the sons of 
your former associates and themselves 
your neighbors, may thus be permitted 
in some measure to testify the high 
sense they entertain of your personal 
worth and of the respect due to a high 
and dignified station, which you fill 
with so much advantage to the public 
and credit to yourself. 

We are very respectfully, 

VALENTINE WAGENER, 
BENJAMIN S. SHULTZ, 
JOSIAH P. HETRICH. 



45 



REPLY. 

Easton, July 14, 1831. 

Gentlemen: Your letter of yesterday, 
offering, on the part of the volunteer 
artillery company of "Citizen Volun- 
teers" attached to the 97th Regiment 
of Pennsylvania Militia, a tender of 
their escort on my leaving this place 
for the seat of government, has this 
moment been presented to me, and I 
hasten to assure the company of the 
grateful feelings their friendly offer 
has inspired. 

The expression of sentiments of re- 
spect and approbation by so distin- 
guished a corps as the "Citizen Volun- 
teers," composed principally of young 
men who have grown up, as it were, 
under my own eye, sons of my former 
friends and associates — themselves my 
neighbors — has awakened in my breast 
sensations of the most grateful and 
pleasing character, and, whilst I regret 
that I cannot accept their escort, so 
politely tendered, for reasons which 
need not be here repeated, I trust they 
will do me the justice to believe that I 
am as ti'uly grateful for the offer so 
frankly and so generously made as I 
could probably feel if the act proposed 
had been actually accomplished. 

Be pleased, gentlemen, to accept for 
yourselves, and convey to the company 
you represent, assurances of my friend- 
ship and regard. 

GEORGE WOLF. 
Capt Valentine Wagener and Lieuts. 

B. S. Shultz and Josiah P. Hetrich. 

Tuesday, July 12, 1831. 
To Governor Wolf. 

Esteemed Sir: Permit us as friends 
and neighbors to tender you a hearty 
welcome among us and to assure you 
that it affords us sincere satisfaction 
that in directing the route of your ex- 
cursion your native county has not 
been overlooked or forgotten. 

Although apprized of your desire to 
avoid all public manifestations of re- 
gard, yet we cannot but indulge the 
expectation that under the particular 
circumstances of relation between us 
you will afford friends and neighbors 
an opportunity of testifying their con- 
tinued esteem and regard by accepting 
an invitation to a public dinner at Mr. 
White's on Thursday next. 

Very respectfully, your friends, 
Thomas McKeen, C. M. Mixsell, 
Joseph Burke, . David D. Wagener, 
Valentine Wagener, A. H. Reeder, 
F. W. Miller, John Bowes, 

S. Innes, i^. Shuman, 

Jacob Able, Peter Ihrie, Jr., 

John Stewart, A. E. Brown, 

Samuel Shick, A. Prior, 



J. M. Porter, C. Heckman, 

Peter S. Michler, Christian J. Hutter, 
Jacob Hartz, John R. Lattimore, 

Aaaron Shnyder, Samuel Yohe, 
Robert M. Brooke, W. L. Sebring, 
P. Nungesser, J. Jones, 

o. Kern, E. Rees, 

J. binton, David Barnet, 

Joseph Levers, (jeorge Hess, Jr., 
Robert Innes, A. Miller, 

H. Hepburn, William Shouse, 

Philip Mixsell, Abraham Horn, 
Hiram Yard, Jacob Wagener. 

GOVERNOR'S REPLY. 

Easton, July 12, 1831. 

Gentlemen: Your letter of this morn- 
ing inviting me to partake of a public 
dinner at Mr. White's on Thursday next 
was received at a late hour this even- 
ing, and, in reply, I beg leave to assure 
you of my entire conviction that if 
under any circumstances a departure 
from the course I have prescribed my- 
self in reference to the tender of pub- 
lic dinners could be justified it couid 
only happen in a case like the present, 
where the invitation emanates from 
friends and neighbors, between whom 
and myself peculiar circumstances of 
relation may be supposed to exist, and 
to whose generous partiality, in com- 
mon with that of the good citizens of 
my native county generally, I am main- 
ly indebted for whatsoever of political 
preferment I have hitherto enjoyed; 
but the nature of my present visit to 
Easton and a determination long since 
formed to decline all manifestations of 
regard, in the shape of public dinners, 
will constrain me to forego the accept- 
ance of your kind invitation, not doubt- 
ing that the motives which have led to 
this determination will be rightly ap- 
preciated by you. 

To have overlooked or forgotten my 
native county in selecting the route of 
my recent excursion would have been 
altogether unpardonable in one wno 
owes that county so much, and I assure 
you that the debt of gratitude has been 
greatly enhanced by the kind reception 
you have given me on the present occa- 
sion. 

1 have ii^e honor to be, gentlemen, 
very truly your friend, 

GEORGE WOLF. 
Messrs. Thomas McKeen, Joseph Burke 

and others. 

Easton, July 12, 1831. 
To His Elxcellency George Wolf. 

The undersigned, members of the 
Bar of Northampton county, have 
learned with great pleasure that you 
are now on a visit to this place. Asso- 
ciated as we formerly were with you 
in the same profession, the recollection 
of the kindness and urbanity of your 



46 



deportment, while with us, and of the 
talents and industry evinced by your 
professional efforts, has revived and 
deepened impressions of the most af- 
fectionate and respectful character. 
We have observed the same qualities 
to mark your more public career and 
have seen their auspicious results to 
our Commonwealth. We beg leave, 
Sir, most respectfully, to tender you 
our best wishes for the long continu- 
ance of your public and private useful- 
ness, and desire you to accept this ex- 
pression of our sentiments as the hom- 
age of our sincere respect and esteem. 
J. M. Porter, A. Prior, 

Joel Jones, Wm. L. Sebring, 

H. Hepburn, Henry Hill Wells, 

R. M. Brooke, J. Hoffman, 

A. H. Reeder, P. Shuman, 

Evan Rees. 

REPLY. 

Easton, July 12, 1831. 
Gentlemen — I thank you for the flat- 
tering terms in which you have ex- 
pressed your satisfaction with my 
visit to this place, and most cordially 
reciprocate the sentiments of esteem 
and respect contained in your note of 
yesterday's date. A retrospect of our 
former association as members of the 
same profession and the urbanity and 
kindness I experienced during a long 
intercourse with my professional 
brethren, brings to my memory the 
most pleasing recollections. 

To have obtained the good opinion 
of the members of a bar proverbial for 
talent, honorable deportment and pro- 
fessional skill, cannot fail to be highly 
gratifying to the feelings of the indi- 
vidual thus favored; and although so 
far as I am individually concerned. I 
make no pretensions to the qualities 
you have been pleased to ascribe to 
me; yet it has, in every situation in 
which I have been placed, been my 
most anxious desire to do justice to 
the station I have occupied by an up- 
right and faithful discharge of every 
duty connected with it. 

For your kind wishes for the long 
contmuance of my public and private 
usefulness, be pleased to accept my 
warmest acknowledgments, and the ex- 
pression of my best wishes for your in- 
dividual welfare and happiness. 

I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, 
with much respect, your obedient ser- 
vant, GEORGE WOLF. 
James M. Porter, Joel Jones, H. Hep- 
burn, A. Prior, Evan Rees, P. Shu- 
man, A. H. Reeder, Robert May 
Brooke, Wm. L. Sebring, J. Hoffman, 
and Henry Hill Wells, Esquires. 

Matthew S. Henry, who is known as 
the author of that now rare volume, 
"History of the Lehigh "Valley," was 



at this time engaged in "keeping store" 
and the manufacture of the old fash- 
ioned wood-burning stoves at the 
"Catharine Furnace," Jacobsburg (the 
birthplace of the contributor of these 
sketches), in Busnkill township, and 
advertised for fifty wood-choppers, or 
for a contractor to chop 10,000 cords 
of wood. 

As early as 1808 his father, Judge 
William Henry, of Nazareth, Pa., erect- 
ed this forge and on March 9, 1809, the 
first iron manufactured in Northamp- 
ton county was made there — the birth 
of an industry in the Lehigh Valley 
that has since produced in values hun- 
dreds of millions of dollars, and has 
given to the world some of its greatest 
iron masters — Thomas, Jones, Drown, 
Gayley, Fackenthall and others. 

(Communicated.) 

"As a Senator is to be elected this 
fall, I would beg leave to call the at- 
tention of the electors of this Senator- 
ial District to the name of our worthy 
friend General Matthias Gress, for that 
situation. He is a man of great ex- 
perience — a soldier of the revolution, 
and although advanced in years, he re- 
tains his mental faculties in full vigor. 
We owe a debt of gratitude to the men 
who achieved our Independence, and 
we will not have many opportunities 
of repaying it. One now offers and we 
would be wanting in our duty not to 
embrace it. 

"A BETHLEHEM FARMER." 

August, 1831. 

Rafting on the Delaware has almost 
disappeared as a business, and it will 
be a surprise to many to learn that in 
the early '30s it was not uncommon for 
two thousand rafts to pass down the 
Delaware during a favorable flood of 
water. 

"DANCING ACADEMY. 

Charles Souviile, Professor of Danc- 
ing, begs leave to inform -ae ladies and 
gentlemen of Easton and its vicinity 
that he will remain in town a short 
time for the purpose of giving instruc- 
tion in the healthy and useful accom- 
plishment of Dancing — Terms of tui- 
tion for a course of 18 lessons 4 dol- 
lars. 

He will also instruct gentlemen in 
the art of 

FENCING, 
With broad and small sword. 

Terms four dollars for a course of 
16 lessons. 

Also — Violin Tuition — for a course 
of 16 lessons four dollars. 

C. S. flatters himself that his exper- 
ience in the above arts, will enable 



47 



him to render satisfaction to those la- 
dies and gentlemen who may favor 
him with their patronage. 

Application to be made at W. 
Shouse's Green Tree Hotel. 

September 6, 1831." 

In the militia days visits of the local 
companies were frequently exchanged 
with organizations in other towns and 
cities. He who writes the history of the 
Easton and Northampton militia will 
find in the columns of the Philadelphia 
newspapers extended notices of visits 
made to the latter city. 

A popular company in Easton seven- 
ty years ago was the Washington 
Grays, commanded by the late Captain 
Samuel Yohe, afterwards Colonel of 
the First Pennsylvania Volunteers in 
tne Rebellion of 1861-'65. 

"This company left here yesterday 
morning [September 5, 1831] on an 
excursion of pleasure and military dis- 
cipline for the city of Philadelphia, 
where they intend to quarter for eight 
or ten days. The company formed in 
the Square at 5 o'clock in the morning 
about sixty strong, with good martial 
music. It was gratifying to see so 
many young men, all well equipped, 
endeavoring to improve in military sci- 
ence. They proceeded by the Delaware 
to Trenton, v/here l,^'^•"^ tnnk the steam- 
boat, and arrived in the city thi^ morn- 
ing. We learn by the Philadelphia 
papers that the Grays will receive a 
flattering reception; nearly all the vol- 
unteers of the city will parade on the 
occasion and escort them to their quar- 
ters. The managers of the several 
theatres and the proprietors of the 
museum have tendered invitations to 
visit their respective establishments, 
and every exertion will be made to 
render the visit of the Grays as grati- 
fying as possible." 

Their return was noted as follows: 

"The Washington Grays, Capt. Yohe, 
returned from their tour of duty to 
Philadelphia on Wednesday last, after 
an absence of eleven days. They were 
escorted into town in the afternoon, 
marched through the principal streets 
in the borough and dismissed in the 
Square, where they were heartily 
cheerea by their anxious and admiring 
friends, who had assembled to welcome 
them to their homes. 

"The Grays, on leaving the city, 
were escorted to the wharf by the 
Philadelphia Blues and Fencibles,where 
Capt. Page, in the name of the Fen- 
cibles, presented a beautiful gold medal 
to the Grays. The inscription on it is 
as follows: 'The State Fencibles, Capt. 
Page, to the Washington Grays, Capt. 
Yohe, as a mark of gratitude and to 



commemorate the visit of tue latter to 
Philadelphia in September, 1831.' 

"This medal, we understand, is to be 
fireu for once a year, the winner to 
wear it that period of time." 

The political pot was always a boil- 
ing in old Northampton, and candidates 
for office frequently presented their 
claims in language which they thought 
would appeal to the greatest number. 
The following from one who bore a 
name dear to a very large majority of 
the voters in Northampton is not with- 
out interest: 

"Easton, September 24, 1831. 
To the Free and Independent Voters of 

This District. 

Farmers, Mechanics, Labourers, &c., 
&c. : I now offer myself a Candidate for 
the House of Representatives and so- 
licit your votes at the ensuing Elec- 
tion for that station, as I am at present 
not much engaged in any mechanical 
branch, I would have no objections to 
spend a winter in Harrisburg — though 
rocked in the cradle of poverty and 
dandled upon the lap of adversity, I 
hope will not be urged as a political 
objection, though often placed upon 
tne lowest spoake of fortune's wheel, 
perhaps the next revolution may land 
me upon an eminence which those con- 
sider themselves my superiors could 
never obtain — I say let every candidate 
run upon his own merit, unshackled 
by the mock delegates, who cry stick 
to the regular nominations, & when 
they cannot succeed with there favor- 
ite candidate go home and call another 
meeting — away with such intreague 
and corruption, and let Mrs. Eaton go 
with them. Give me real patriotism, 
I have as many of my old Companions 
recollect served in the tented field, 
ready and willing to meet the enemy's 
of our Country. While a boy of eight- 
een 1 volunteered with Capt. Horn to 
face the fire and in five days was ready 
to take up the line of march, we landed 
at Camp Dupont, and had John Bull's 
calves attempted to invade the shore I 
should have been one of tne last to 
quit the field, and the last drop of blood 
in my veins would have cheerfully 
shed for the cause of America and 
freedom for whatever I undertake to 
do I do it well, as Franklin says what 
ever is worth doing is worth doing well, 
I was as many friends know once in 
the habit of using a little more steam 
then became a sober man, but I have 
on my silent pillow, made solemn prom- 
ise, and called my blessed lord and 
master to witness, never to be guilty 
of the like offence, as I have found the 
folly of my ways — and am henceforth 
determined to lead a sober life, and 
should you think me worthy of a seat 



48 



in Council of state I pledge myself that 
all my acts shall be characterized with 
honest and candid views, and all tend- 
ing to the prosperity of the Common- 
wealth. I have tne honor to remain 
my friends and fellow Citizens your 
humble and obedient servant, 

FRANCIS JACKSON." 

Mr. Jackson, however, was in the 
minority and was vigorously opposed 
in his candidacy by the "Argus," the 
political bible in those days of the 
Democracy at the Forks of the Dela- 
ware: 

"TO THE PUBLIC. 

Whereas my name has been very un- 
gentlemanly brought before the people 
l)y a transported Hessian, and at the 
same time pretending to be my friend 
and promised his iniluence in my cause, 
but what are the lacts, they shall be 
here submitted to a candi- world. In 
the first place I had been solicited by a 
number of my friends to offer myself 
a candidate for the House of Represen- 
tatives. The subject came up at a 
wedding party of a friend, at the house 
of Col. Hutter, the thing was there 
urged upon me to come out. I at length 
consented to offer my name, and ac- 
cordingly went in to the office of that 
squah headed two faced printer Mil- 
ler's office, being a little under the in- 
fluence of old Burgundy. I scribbled 
something in the shape of an invitation 
to my friends for there support at the 
ensuing election. I gave it to that sap 
scull with his promise of correction, 
but to my surprize the next Centinel 
out pops the piece, with a latten head, 
verbatim et literattum — I called upon 
Miller to know why he should attempt 
riddicule me in that manner, and the 
only satisfaction I could obtain was: 
tnat his wide had told him that it was 
all right, & he should publish it as it 
was. Since that I am told that he can 
not read English himself, and could not 
tell whether it was right or wrong — I 
will however excuse him as he was 
only blocked out in Germany and came 
to the United States to De polished I 
like to see a man alwais above board, 
not to play the snake in the grass — nor 
carry lWo faces one for your presence 
and the other for your absence. As 
Bhakespear says — he who steals my 
purse steals trash , tis mine, tis his, 
and has been slaves to thousands, but 
he who filtches from me my good name, 
robs me of that which enriches him not 
and makes me poor indeed. I have the 
honor to subscribe myself the publics 
obedient servant. 

FRANCIS JACKSON. 

Easton, September 27, 1831." 



In the fall elections of 1831 the fol- 
lowing were the candidates in nomina- 
tion for offices: 

i^i^LEGATE TICKET. 
Senate. 
E. D. Wagener, of Northampton. 
Peter Newhart, of Lehigh. 
Assembly. 
Samuel Stokes, 
George Kelchner, 
Philip Lynn and 
Thomas Fuller, of Wayne. 
Commissioner. 
Philip Correll. 
Auditor. 
Jacob Schweitzer. 
TICKET FORMED AT J. S. HELLER'S 
Senate. 
Jacob Kern, of Northampton. 
Walter C. Livingston, of Lehigh. 
Assembly. 
Samuel Stokes, 
Edward B. Scheimer, 
John Horn, of East Penn, and 
Thomas Fuller, of Wayne. 
Commissioner. 
Abraham Sheimer. 
V0LUNTE13.JX CANDIDATES. 
Assembly. 
Francis Jackson. 
Auditor. 
Jacob Sherer. 

MILITARY. — An election was held 
in the Ninety-seventh Regiment, P. 
M., on Saturday last to fill the vacancy 
of Lieutenant Colonel, occasioned by 
the resignation of Lieutenant Colonel 
Levers. The candidates were Captain 
Valentine Wagener, of the Citizen Vol- 
unteers, and Jedediah Weiss, of Beth- 
lehem. The following table gives the 
official return of the votes polled, by 
which it will be perceived that Captain 
Wagener is elected by a majority of 
forty-two votes: 

1st Battalion 2d Bat. Total 

Wagener 292 40 332 

Weiss 213 72 290 

October 18, 1831. 

"OPENING OF THE MORRIS CANAL. 

Last week [Oct. 1831] several boats 
left the Delaware for New York, via 
the Morris canal. They ascended the 
first plane very handsomely, and for 
aught we know, are wending their way 
just now across the Muskenetcong 
mountain, to supply our friends of New 
Amsterdam with a sample of our flour 
and Mauch Chunk coal, and thus in- 
duce them to draw on us for more. 
They are articles that Northampton 
county can furnish of a quality equal 
to any in the world. 

We this day insert an advertisement 



49 



of Mr. Rodenbough, of fish for sale. 
These were brought from New York 
by the Morris canal, & we believe are 
the first received by that mode of 
transportation and will be sold dog 
cheap." 

"COTILLON PARTIES AND DANC- 
ING SCHOOx.. 

Charles Souville [who in several 
months previous, advertised his school 
of instruction in dancing, fencing and 
violin] respectfully informs the ladies 
and gentlemen of Easton, that he will 
give his first cotillon party on next 
Monday, November the 14th. Price of 
admission 75 cents for each gentleman, 
with the privilege of two ladies. 

C. Souville has taken the large and 
commodious room at Spring Garden 
where he will give select private par- 
ties during the ensuing winter. 

Gentlemen will be furnished with 
season tickets at four dollars, which 
will entitle them to eight lessons in 
dancing. 

Easton, Nov. 8, 1831." 

The tariff question, which is period- 
ically presented to us by the office- 
seekers, was an early issue in Ameri- 
can politics, and Easton with its acces- 
sion of internal improvements — canals 
leading to tide water — in 1831, attested 
its interest in protection. 

"This morning [Oct. 25, 1831] James 
Sinton,Anthony M'Coy, William Henry 
and Hopewell Hepburn, Esqrs., (the lat- 
ter gentleman substituted for James 
M. Porter, who could not go), left here 
as the delegates of this county to the 
tariff convention, which Is to assemble 
tomorrow in New York. We infer 
much good will result of this conven- 
tion. It will concentrate information 
and induce unity of action. The inter- 
est of the whole Union requires that 
we should protect our farms, mechan- 
ics and manufacturers in their respec- 
tive pursuits." 

The closing days of the year 1831 
brought to E^aston for the first time 
two visitors.then twenty years of age — 
Eng and Chang, the Siamese twins, 
who in after years repeated their visits. 
They died in 1874 within a few hours 
of each other; for sixty-three years 
they had been one of the wonders of 
the world. 

"SIAMESE TWINS. 

"The ladies and gentlemen of Eas- 
ton and Phillipsburg are respectfully 
informea that the Siamese Twin 
Brothers are now in this town on their 



way to Harrisburg and Washington. 
They will remain at William White's, 
the Easton Hotel, up to and including 
Wednesday evening. The hours of ad- 
mission to their rooms are from 10 to 
12 in the forenoon and from 7 to 9 in 
the evening. Admittance only 25 
cents. 

" Easton, Dec. 20, 1831." 



HISTORICAL SKETCHESRELATING 
TO EASTON AND NORTHAMP- 
TON COUNTY, PA,, AND 
THEIR INHABITANTS. 



Something Concerninig the Indians and 
the Indian Conferences and Trea- 
ties Held at Easton, 1756-1777. 



NEW SERIES— NO. 4. 
Contributed by Etnan A. Weaver. 



The advantageous location of Easton 
made it a place or considerable import- 
ance in the Colonial and Revolutionary 
periods, and the printed and manu- 
script records of the State and nation 
contain volumes of letters and other 
references to Easton and as to what 
transpired there when this country was 
still a colony of England, and later, 
wnen its independence was being con- 
tested by the flat of arms. 

From its beginning.in 1752, the name 
of Easton was coupled with important 
events connected with the history of 
the Indians, and following the Brad- 
dock disaster in 1755, near by, on the 
frontiers of the new county, were com- 
mitted some of the most horrible mas- 
sacres recorded in the history of the 
new world, and conferences and trea- 
ties with the Indians were held and 
consummated here at various times 
during the first twenty-five years of the 
existence of Easton and Northampton 
county. 

It was, however, through force of 
circumstances that Easton, and not 
Bethlehem, became the place for hold- 
ing these conferences. The English, 
as well as the Indians, because of the 
confidence they had in the Moravians, 
favored Bethlehem, but Bishop Span- 
genberg earnestly entreated those who 
urged Bethlehem, not to do so, as tne 
number of children at Bethlehem might 
receive great prejudice in their tender 
minds, they having hereto been care- 
fully preserved from the very name of 
many of the vices so commonly prac- 
ticed upon such occasions. This re- 
monstrance was kindly considered and 
the meetings appointed to be held at 
Easton. 

These treaties were made at "The 
Point," or where the Lehigh and Dela- 



50 



ware rivers unite, and v/here I hope 
within my lifetime may be erected a 
suitable tablet or monument to mark 
the site and commemorate events 
which, viewed in the light of our coun- 
try's history, have also a national im- 
portance. 

Booths were erected on this site 
(near by to which was the tavern of 
Nathaniel Vernon, who was also the 
ferryman across ooth rivers) and on 
the flats south of Ferry street and east- 
ward from Hamilton (Fourth) street. 

The Indians who attended these con- 
ferences came from various tribes and 
localities. Those from the Jerseys 
crossed Martin's Ferry at "The Point," 
and the representatives from the Dur- 
ham tract on the south crossed the 
"West Branch" [Lehigh river] at the 
same point where Nathaniel Vernon, 
as ferryman, seems to have had a mo- 
nopoly in transportation across the 
two rivers. By way of the "drylands" 
and Bethlehem came the tribes from 
the west and the Susquehanna, whilst 
the Minisinks from the north of the 
Blue Mountains and bordering the Del- 
aware came through the Weygat or 
Wind-gate, as the name signifies; this 
name (Weygat) is not Indian, as is 
generally supposed, but is of low 
Dutch origin. Windgat is Holland Dutch 
for vent hole. The connection of 
thought will be obvious to any one who 
cares to pass through this gap between 
"Chestnut Hill," north of Easton, and 
the Marble Hill, north of Phillipsburg. 

The most conspicuous personage 
present at most of the treaties was 
Teedyuscung (meaning "one-who- 
makes-the-earth-tremble"). Chief of the 
Delawares, who was born near Tren- 
ton, N. J., whom Major Parsons, in 
1756, describes in one of his letters as 
being about fifty years old, a lusty raw- 
boned man, haughty and vei'y desirous 
of respect and command, who could 
drink three quarts or a gallon of rum 
a day without being drunk. It appears 
from the records that he and his com- 
pany were much of the time under the 
influence of liquor, and at times abus- 
ive to the inhabitants. So that Na- 
thaniel Vernon, the innkeeper at "the 
Point," doubtless did a prosperous 
business during these conferences, his 
patrons being also some of the settlers 
in the vicinity, as appears from a let- 
ter written by Major Parsons to Secre- 
tary Peters in July, 1756: 

"There are now a large number of 
Indians in our town, and but very few 
soldiers to take care of them. Our 
Dutch farmers, when they come to 
town, always go to see them, and the 
Indians always beg wiskey or rum of 
them; and as the Dutch all drink a 



great deal of those liquors, and get 
drunk in town, and in that state mingle 
and quarrel with the Indians, I am 
very fearful that, unless more troops 
are sent to keep off the drunken Dutch 
they will become enraged, and do mis- 
chief in town. The Dutch farmers 
are very quarrelsome when they are 
drunken. They all drink, and it hap- 
pens but very seldom that any Dutch- 
man leaves town sober. To avoid any 
trouble you should attend to this mat- 
ter immediately." 

Teedyuscung succeeded by his elo- 
quence, by the firmness and cunning of 
his diplomacy in redeeming his nation 
in a great degree from their degrading 
subserviency to the Six Nations, and 
also in securing from the proprietary 
government in substance if not in form 
some reparation done to his nation by 
the subtleties of the Indian Walking 
Purchase and by calling in the aid of 
the Six Nations to drive them from 
"the Forks." He would scarcely have 
succeeded in securing these advan- 
tages had he not been assisted and ad- 
vised at every step by the Quakers, 
who were desirous of preserving peace 
and of seeing justice done to the In- 
dians. It was they who suggested to 
Teedyuscung the propriety of his hav- 
ing a secretary of his own to take min- 
utes of what was said and done, so as 
to prevent the convenient forgetfulness 
which often seized the proprietary 
secretaries whenever the proprietary in- 
terest required it. This was firmly re- 
sisted by the Governor and George 
Croghan, the agenc for Indian affairs 
under Sir William Johnson. 

Teedyuscung was accused of having 
persuaded tne Delawares to go over to 
the French and then attack the fron- 
tiers, and he and those with him, were 
it was believed, concerned in the mis- 
chief done to the inhabitants of North- 
ampton county, in fact the people of 
Easton, wuo, in those days it appears 
were somewhat observing as to fash- 
ions, and perhaps a little inclined to- 
wards gossip, declared that the shirts 
which the Indian women had on at the 
first conference, were made of Dutch 
table cloths which it is supposed they 
took from the people they murdered on 
the frontiers. 

The first Indian conference held at 
Easton was July 24-31, 1756, there 
being present the Lieutenant Governor, 
Robert Hunter Morris, four members 
of his council, the Assembly's four 
commissioners oflicers of the Royal 
American Regiment and of the Pro- 
vincial forces and about thirty others, 
mostly Quakers from Philadelphia. 
Conrad Weiser was the interpreter for 
the Six Nations and "Benjamin-that- 



51 



speaks-English," who is described as 
an impudent, forward youth, who had 
enlisted in the Jersey companies and 
afterwards went over to the enemy 
Indians at Diahoga, for the Delawares. 
The Indians were represented byTeedy- 
uscung, chief of the Delawares, Captain 
Newcastle, of the bix Nations, in all 
about twenty- four Indians,whose names 
are preserved in the official records. 
In consequence of this light attendance 
the consideration of important business 
was postponed. 

The attendance of the Deputy or 
Lieutenant Governor (acting for the 
proprietor, Richard Penn, who was the 
Governor by virtue of his proprietor- 
ship) wiixi his Council at these confer- 
ences practically made Easton the seat 
of government of the province for the 
time being. 

Whilst present at this conference 
the Governor received by express from 
New York a package from Lord Hali- 
fax, Lord Loudon, and one from the 
Secretary of State, enclosing his Majes- 
ty's declaration of war (between Eng- 
land and France — French and Indian 
war), which was immediately published 
in a very solemn manner. The Coun- 
cil, the officers of the Royal American 
Regiment, the Indians and a large 
number of the inhabitants of Philadel- 
phia and of the county, attending the 
Governor to the place of publication. 
The First Battalion of the Pennsylva- 
nia Regiment was under arms, and, at 
the close, fired three volleys. 

The officers of the First Battalion at 
this time were the following, some of 
the names being familiar in the county 
to this day: 

Field Officers and Captains — Lieut. 
Col. Weiser, Major William Parsons, 
Capts. Frederick Smits, Jacob Morgan, 
John Witterhold, Christian Bussee, 
Jacob Orndt, John Vanetton, George 
Reynolds and James Patterson. 

Lieutenants — Samuel Weiser, Capt. 
Lieut., Jacob Wetterholt, Anthony Mil- 
ler, Andrew Engel, James Hyndshaw, 
Samuel Humphrys, Philip Marsloff, 
Samuel Allen and Philip Weiser. 

Ensigns — Henry Geiger, Martin Ever- 
hart, Nicholas Cunrad, Jacob Kearn, 
Daniel Harvey, William Johnson and 
Jacob Sneider. 

For some time previous to the first 
Inuian conference at Easton the Indi- 
ans had been very troublesome in the 
immediate vicinity, so much so that the 
County Commissioners did not meet 
from November, 1755, to June, 1756. 
Business was paralyzed and self-pre- 
servation engrossed the attention of 
the settlers, and, to add to this condi- 
tion of affairs, was a fear lest some of 
the settlers would be so indiscreet as 



to inflame the Indians by too much 
liquor or quarreling with them, and 
thus prevent what vv^as most needed at 
this time— peace. Major Parsons, in 
a letter to the Governor on July 14, 
1756, thus refers to the situation, as 
also he did in other communications 
about this time: 

"After I had wrote the above your 
Honours Favor of ye 11th Instant 
came to hand. Your Honour may de- 
pend upon doing everything in my 
Power in obeaience to your Commands 
therein express'd, but I . m greatly in 
doubt whether it will be possible for 
me to pi'ovide the Indians w th a House 
and we have no Boards lo erect a 
Shed for them. Many of ti.e Towns 
people are very ignorant & mdiscret 
and will with Difficulty be broaght to 
behave to the Indians as they should. 
But our rude neighbour'g Farmers vhen 
they come to Town seldom leave it 
sober. Their curiosity, especially wVen 
in Liquor, will lead them to go & S'^e 
the Indians with whom they will either 
quarrel or on the other hand if it is 
possible they will give them liquor & 
make them Drunk. And it will be 
necessary to have two Sentrys to keep 
off these Headstrong drunken 
Dutchmen from the Indians. And I 
am further very apprehensive that the 
whole Body of the Country People will 
come, and with some of the Town, 
force the Indians away. I dont write 
this from Timerousness but from the 
knowledge I have of the people's senti- 
m'ts about their being kept at Bethle- 
hem & I am of opinion that removing 
them here will exasperate them much 
more. As Capt. New Castle left orders 
with the Indians at Bethlehem to stay 
there till he returned and insisted very 
strenuously with Mr. Horsfield that all 
those he should send in should be kept 
at Bethlehem, I thought it would be 
best Not to remove the Indians till he 
returned least he not finding his re- 
quest complyed with, might be disgust- 
ed, and it is but three or four days 
short of the time he appointed to re- 
turn. In the mean time I will be mak- 
ing the best preparations I can for 
their Reception." 

The second conference and treaty 
was held at Easton November 8-15, 
1756. 

The Indians began to arrive about 
ten days before the conference, and Mr. 
Parsons thus wrote the Governor of his 
troubles : 

"It is almost impossible to prevent 
the Indians from getting too much 
liquor for if the tavern keepere refuse 
to supply them, there are people mean 
enough to go and buy rum for them 



52 



with the Indians' money that they may 
help to drinlv it when they have done. 
Among others there is in town a num- 
ber of Irish recruits some of them as 
abandoned drunken fellows as ever 
was got together." * * * * 

* * "As soon as I heard the Indi- 
ans were coming I ordered Lieutenant 
Witterhold with the small detachment 
of eight men who were posted at Teet's 
to come and take post in this town. 
These with four of Capn. Orndt's men 
that Escorted the Indians from Fort 
Allen to tnis place, serve as a guard 
at present to Easton, and as the Indi- 
ans are to be so soon expected I pro- 
pose to keep them here till further 
orders." * * * 

On Monday, November 8th, the con- 
ference opened, there being present 
Lieutenant Governor Denny, William 
Logan and Richard Peters, Esquires; 
Benjamin Franklin, Joseph Fox, Wil- 
liam Masters and John Hughes, Com- 
missioners; Teedyuscung, the Chief of 
the Delawares; Four of the Six Na- 
tions; Sixteen Delaware Indians; Two 
Shawnees; Six Mohickons; John 
Pumpshire, a Jersey Delaware Indian, 
Interpreter; Colonel Conrad Weiser 
(Interpreter), Major Parsons, Captain 
Wetterholt, Capt. VanEtten and Cap- 
tain Reynolds, officers of the Provincial 
Forces; Lieutenant McAlpin and En- 
sign Jeffrys, Recruiting officers of the 
Royal Americans, a number of gentle- 
men and free holders from the several 
counties and from the City of Philadel- 
phia. 

Great pomp and ceremony was ob- 
served upon these occasions. The pub- 
lished account of this treaty says: 

"This Morning the Governor sent 
Mr. Weiser with his Compliments to 
the Indian Chief, and desired to know 
whether he intended to speak first and 
when; and the King saying it was his 
duty to speak first, wished it might be 
this forenoon, on which the Governor 
appointed Three a'clock p. m., at 
which time the Governor marched 
from his lodging to the place of con- 
ference, guarded by a party of the Roy- 
al Americans in the front and on the 
flanks, and a detachment of Colonel 
Weiser's Provincials in sub-divisions 
in the rear, with Colours flying, Drums 
beating, and Musick playing, which 
order was always observed in going to 
the place of conference." 

The Governor's lodging was at Adam 
Yohe's public house southwest corner 
Northampton and Hamilton (Fourth) 
streets. 

After nine days a treaty of peace 
was concluded between the Shawnees, 
the Delawares and the English. The 
Governor also offered to satisfy them 



for the lands in the Forks and the Min- 
isinks, but as many of them were not 
present that question, at the sugges- 
tion of Teedyuscung was adjourned 
and was fully discussed at a subse- 
quent council. 

On the concluding day of the confer- 
ence, word was received of the death 
in Philadelphia of smallpox of several 
Indians of prominence, among them 
Captain Newcastle. 

Teedyuscung made an address of 
condolance on Captain Newcastle's 
death, and "after a continued silence 
for some time one of the older Indians 
spoke an exhortation in the nature of 
a funeral oration, after which Teedy- 
uscung expressed to the Governor the 
great satisfaction given to him at his 
condoling tne death of Captain New- 
castle, who he said was a good man, 
and had promoted the good work of 
peace with great care, his death would 
put him in mind of his duty, as it 
should all of us." 

The business of the conference being 
concluded Teedyuscung "took a kind 
leave of the Governor and all present." 

The third treaty was made at Easton 
in July and August, 1757. The neces- 
sary accommodations for the number 
of persons expected to be present, gave 
the proprietaries' agents no little con- 
cern as the following correspondence 
will show: 
Mr. ISSACHAR DAVIS, [Easton.] 

The Governor intends to live in Mr. 
Parsons' house whilst at Easton,which 
is now empty, Ivlr. Parsons being indis- 
posed & on a Journy to the sea side 
for the Recovery of his health. 

The Governor desires you will look 
at the House, see what Beds, Bedding, 
sheets, Table Linnen, & other Linnen 
necessary for the use of a Family, are 
left in the house, what Kitchin Fur- 
niture, wood, and water there may be, 
and what Servants. 

By what means. Butcher's meat & 
Butter, BreAd, Fowls, & other sorts of 
Provisions can be laid in every day, 
without giving the Governor's Family 
unnecessary Trouble. 

Perhaps Nicholas Scull will under- 
take to do all or a part of what is nec- 
essary, & to supply Provisions & Beer. 
Pray ask him & consult with him upon 
every particular article. 

On your Return, which must be as 
quick as you can make it, you are to 
wait on the Governor and make your 
Report, that everything may be pro- 
vided before hand & taken up along 
wth him. 

I suppose clean Beds can be got for 
Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Chew, Mr. Logan 
and two other Members of Council, in 



53 



good & respectable Houses. Engage 
six Beds besides the Governors & mine, 
who shall be at Mr. Parsons. 

Pray do not omit anything, tho' in 
my haste I may have done it, relative 
to the Lodging, Diet & other accom- 
modations of the Governor at Easton. 
I am your humble servant, 

RICHARD PETERS. 

7th July, 1757. 

Easton, July the 15, 1757. 
Mr. Richd xcters: 

Sir: I received your favours of the 
15th per Express, part of it I have 
answered in my letter to the Governor 
this day as to rooms and bedding. I 
have ben out to looke and send others 
out, and find that good beds and clean 
rooms are either scarce or taken up. 
Mr. Parsons, you know, is moved to his 
new house, and there are several 
Clever rooms in that house, that is de- 
signed for the Governor. I bespoke 
the two room in Mr. Parsons old house, 
where yourself and the Governor 
lodged last year. It will suit two of 
the Gentlemen you named very well, if 
not three; the rooms are Clean, the 
beds I call good, but perhaps them 
Gentlemen will differ with me in opin- 
ion. Let them peradventr send beds 
in A Wagon, tho I think there is not 
much occasion for it, several Tolerable 
good rooms may be had here, but bed- 
ing is wanted. I bespoke a room at 
Kichlein, and I would part with mine 
for the Gentlemen, but a public house 
would perhaps not suit so well; but 
let the Gentlemen that you named 
come, I don't doubt at all they will be 
pleased. 

In the letter to the Governor I gave 
an accouni of the murder comited last 
Saturday, and of the gard I Expect in 
this town in a few days. 

The Indians seem to be in very good 
temper, and signified great Satisfac- 
tion on my coming, and I have strong 
hopes that some thing effectualy will 
be done, or may be done with them, if 
there wont be too many Cooks, and if 
Buisy Body would stay at home. 

I wish you health and happiness, 
hoping to see you all soon; who am, 
Dear Sir, Your very humble Servant, 
CONRAD WEISER. 
Capt. Jacob Orndt [Arndt], who com- 
manded a company of Provincials.kept 
the authorities informed of the move- 
ments of the Indians towards Easton 
to attend the treaty, to which place he 
accompanied Teedyuscung and his 
party from Fort Allen [Weissport]. 
To the honourable Colonel Weiser: 

Sir, These are to inform you that 
Detiuscung is arriv'd here Yesterday 
Ev'ning, and there be at present about 
200 Indians with him, with young and 



old. Detiuscung is intended to stay 
here about five or six days, and in 
this Time he expects one hundred of 
the Seneka Indians here, and then he 
is intended to go to Easton, in hopes 
to meet with his Honour the Governor. 

I am inform'd that Lieut. M*** is 
run away with another man's wife, 
and hope you will inform his Honor 
the Governor how necessary it is that 
I might have another Lieutenant. If 
you would be pleas'd to recommend 
Ensign Conrad in his stead, who, I 
think, will be a man very fit for a Lieu- 
tenant. I send with these the Muster 
and Pay Roll of my Company. I hope 
you will excuse me, as I have not 
sent my Journal, for I had not time 
to draw a copy of it. 

I am. Sir, «&c., 

JACOB ORNDT. 

Fort Allen, July 5, 1757. 

With submission, I think Ensign 
Conrad worthy of a Lieutenant's Com- 
mission. 

CONRAD WEISER. 

[To Conrad Weiser.] 

And to Governor Denny he described 
his journey to Easton as follows: 
May it Please your honner. 

Sir, According as Titiuskong arrifed 
att fort Allin the 4th of these Instend 
July, with aboud 150 Indians with 
young and old, and aboud fivety was 
there allredey with young and old, and 
according as Titiuskong hath Inform- 
ed me that above one hounderd of 
the Sinekers Indins would Come after 
him, that he was Intented to waid fore 
them att fort Allin six or seven Days, 
but as I fal wery shord with Provis- 
ions I was obliged to march with the 
Indins yesterday from fort Allin, 
there number was 150 that went with 
me to Easton, and the Remainder 
Stayd att fort Allin,** sum went back 
with a litte Provision fore****there 
family Down, and yeasderday I Came 
so fare with them as to John Haysis, 
and there Wee Stayd all night and 
these Day, wee set off from there and 
arrifed Safe at Easton, with all the 
Indins except one, William Dattamy, 
an Indin, went withoud my Knowledge 
and against my orders to Bathloham, 
and it hapind on his Road Wen he had 
Turnid off that a foolish wite boy 
aboud 15 years of cage, folowed him, 
and Shot him in the Right Thigh of 
the out sid bone, but not morterly, 
and Just when I came with the Indins 
and Ten men of my Company to es- 
cord the indins to Easton, William 
Hays Came after me express with 
these Information, that William Dat- 
tamy Was Shot, and accoi'ding as 
mayor Parsons is absend from Easton, 
I considered that it was wery nessec- 



54 



eery to Stay with my men att Easton, 
fore to Protackt the Indins and to hin- 
der all Scrobel and *** which might 
fall out between Wite Peoble and the 
Indins, until I shall Receve you houn- 
ers fourter orders, With all Due Re- 
spect, 

I am sir, 
your humble servind att Command, 
JACOB ORNDT. 

Easton, July 8, 1757. 

Two days later he wrote the Gover- 
nor: 
May it Piece you houner. 

Sir, Just now I Received these In- 
closed letter from leivtenind Wetter- 
hold, Derictid to Mayor Parsons, and 
as he is att Present absend I under 
Took to openid thes letter, and I 
thought Proper to forewartid emmet- 
iatly to his houner the Governor, and 
according as I have Informed in my 
letter Dated of the 8th of these In- 
stend, that I am arrifed att Easton 
with Didiuskong and the Indins, and 
as I have but a Small guard with me 
Consisting only of 9 men, and I am 
wery much Troubld to Prevent Con- 
fussion between the Indin and the 
Wite People, especial of the Jearcy 
People, therefore I was obliged to Stay 
here in these Down, there fore I De- 
sier if it Please your honner to order 
more and sufficient guard att these 
Down fore the Indins. 
I am sir. 

Your wery most humbly 
and obedient Servend, 
JACOB ORNDT. 

Easton, July 10th, 1757. 

The Governor, William Denny, 
reached Easton July 2 th and on the 
following day convened his Council, 
consisting of James Hamilton, Richard 
Peters, Benjamin Chew,William Logan, 
Lynford Lardner and John Mifflin. He 
at once dispatched his secretary with 
his compliments to Teedyuscung, who 
immediately waited on the Governor, 
and there was introduced to the mem- 
bers of the Council. It was the desire 
of the chief and his party to meet the 
Governor at his coming outside of the 
town, and he complained that Mr. 
Weiser had failed to give him notice 
to enable him to do so, and accused 
him of breaking his word, and suggest- 
ed that having done so in this instance 
he might do it in another, and seemed 
greatly displeased at Mr. Weiser's con- 
duct. The Governor replied that there 
must be some mistake, and desired the 
chief to suspend his judgment till Mr. 
Weiser could be seen and afterwards 
wait on i,he chief, which was accord- 
ingly done and no further notice taken 
of it by Teedyuscung. 

There were present at the beginning 



of the conference 58 men, 37 women 
and 64 children — in all, 159 — of Teedy- 
uscung's party and 45 men, 35 women 
and 39 children — in all, 119 — Senecas 
and others of the Six Nations. 

The minutes of the Governor's Coun- 
cil were taken by its secretary; those 
of the conference by three persons 
separately, viz., George Croghan as 
Deputy Agent for Indian Affairs under 
Sir William Johnson; Jacob Duche,Jr., 
for the Governor, and by Charles 
Thompson, Master of the Public Quak- 
er School [now the William Penn 
Charter School], of Philadelphia, as 
clerk to Teedyuscung. Several days 
were consumed in discussing the ques- 
tion of a clerk for the chief, but it was 
finally allowea. 

There were present, besides the 
above, Isaac Norris, Speaker of the 
Assembly; Daniel Roberdeau, Member 
of the Assembly; William Masters, 
John Hughes, Joseph Fox and Joseph 
Galloway, Provincial Commissioners; 
Capt. Thomas McKee, Interpreter for 
the Crown; Conrad Weiser, Interpre- 
ter for the Province; John Pumpshire, 
Interpreter for Teedyuscung; Moses 
Tatamy, from up the Bushkill, a Dela- 
ware, and a convert of Rev. David 
Brainerd, and a number of gentlemen 
of the city of Philadelphia and others, 
inhabitants of the Province. The Com- 
missioners brought with them a num- 
ber of presents, and among others who 
were to be remembered in their distri- 
bution was Moses Tatamy, who, on 
account of his son's misfortune, was 
to receive a present of condolence. 

After the council adjourned on Au- 
gust 4th, the records inform us, "the 
Governor sent for Teedyuscung and 
some of his Counsellors to his Lodg- 
ings, from whence we went to Mr. Ver- 
non's, where an Handsome entertain- 
ment was provided, at which were pres- 
ent the Governor, his Council, the 
Speaker and Members of Assembly, 
the commissioners and Gentlemen in 
Town, the Delaware King, his Coun- 
sellors, Warriors and all the Indians, 
Men, Women and Children, in numbers 
about Three Hundred. After Dinner 
Peace was proclaimed in form, and the 
Proclamation interpreted to the Dela- 
wares and Six Nations, at the close of 
which the Governor, by his Secretary, 
expre'ssed his satisfaction at being one 
of the happy Instruments oi bringing 
about this Peace. His Honour recom- 
mended it to all Ranks and Professions 
of Men to cultivate to the utmost of 
their Power a good understanding 
with the Indians, and to treat kindly, 
that they may daily see the Advantage 
of Preserving our Friendship." 

"Having given this in Charge of the 



55 



Freeholders present, he desired Teedy- 
uscung to do the same to his People, 
that we might on both sides forget 
what was past and live affectionately 
together for the Time to come. A De- 
tachment of the Pennsylvania Troops 
was drawn up in the Front of the Com- 
pany and fired three Vollies." 

"The Governor afterwards continued 
his Entertainment at which there was 
great Cheerfulness. At night was a 
large Bonfire, and variety of Indian 
Dances." 

On the last two days of the confer- 
ence there were present Paxinosa, the 
Shawnese Chief, with Abraham, a Mo- 
hickon Chief, and about fifty or sixty 
of their people. Soon after their arri- 
val, on the afternoon of August 6th, 
Mr. Peters and Conrad Weiser went to 
them witn a string of wampum, bid 
them welcome, agreeable to the ancient 
custom of our forefathers. Teedyus- 
cung and the Six Nation's Chief did the 
same. 

After this conference the Quakers 
present from Philadelphia, about 
twenty-five in number, were often seen 
in private consultation with the Indi- 
ans, especially with Teedyuscung; the 
leaders of these peace-preaching people 
present were Israel Pemberton, who 
lodged in a Back Room or Building 
behind the House of Paul Miller, the 
next House to Adam Yoe's, a tavern, 
where Lieut. James Hyndshaw, of the 
First ir'ennsylvania Battalion, made 
deposition, he frequently saw him in 
conference with Teedyuscung, often 
without an interpreter, as the chief 
"speaks the English language pretty 
well;" also with Joseph Galloway.a law- 
yer, who lodged at Vernon's, and Isaac 
Norris, who lodged at Mr. Rinker's. 
The Quakers at the close of the confer- 
ence distributed a number of presents 
among the Indians. Peace having again 
been confirmed, this conference closed 
Sunday, August 7, 1756, after being in 
session eighteen days. 

The joint report of Captains Orndt 
and Busse of the number of Indians 
who came via Fort Allen is as follows: 

July the 8th, 1757, No. 133 or there 
about. 

Do 10th, 11 from Bethlehem. 

Do John Bumshire came with 
several more from Philadelphia. 

Do the 11th, 3. 

Do I compted the Indians in Easton. 

Men, 51, Women, 35, Children, 64, in 
all 150. 

Do ye 12th, from Bethlehem, 7 Men, 
2 Women, 9 in all. 

Do ye 18th, Men, 45, Women, 25, 
Children, 39, in all, 109. 

these was chiefly Sinaca's. 



Allen Do ye 26th, there came 6 Men 
from Fort Allen. 

Do ye 28th, Men, 3, Wimen, 5, Chil- 
dren, 3, in all, 11. 

The whole accompt is 112 Men, 67 
Women, 106 Children, Total, 285. 

The above by me, 

JACOB ORNDT. 

P. S. — Sum of these Indians hath 
leaft Easton and went to Firt Allin, 
but I Do not no how meny. 

The feirst Day of August in the Time 
as the Conference was arrifed at Eas- 
ton, 16 men, 2 lads, 10 women & Chil- 
dren, 11 of them came from Fort Allin. 

During ^he Conference arrived 16 
Indian Men, 2 Lads, 10 Women and 
Children. 

CHRISTIAN BUSSE. 

The fourth treaty, that of 1758, was 
one of the most important, and was 
more largely attended than any of 
those made at "the Forks." 

Major Parsons having died the year 
previous, it fell to Mr. Swaine, his suc- 
cessor, to look after the local arrange- 
ments, as the following shows: 

Easton, Sept. 4th, 1758. 

Sir: I received the favour of yours, 
and am glad my Services are accept- 
able; should be fond of every opertuni- 
ty to oblige Mr. Peters or any of the 
Gentlemen of the Council, and am con- 
cerned at present I cannot do it in so 
effectual a manner as I would wish, by 
letting you know particularly what is 
necessary here, and how it is to be 
managed as to providing. I have 
spoken to Vernon on that head, and he 
said in general it will be in the man- 
ner it was before, by which I under- 
stand Provision is to be daily fetched 
from his house, and the Gentlemen's 
Servants to dress it, this did not con- 
tent me, and he promised to call on me 
this morning to give further Satisfac- 
tion but hath not called before the 
Bearer set out. As to the Lodgeings, 
it will be necessary to bring Bedsteds, 
beds, &c. I shall take care to have 
the several lodgeings well cleaned, all 
the Houses have chairs, stools or 
benches of some sort, & tables, only it 
must be considered those Gentlemen 
who choose to go to Mr.Gordon's house 
(where three or four might live re- 
tired) will have everything to find. 
We are at no certainty as to the Gov- 
ernor of the Jerseys, what was said as 
to his taking up his residence at Phil- 
lipsburgh, arose from a Report which 
hath little foundation in it, anu there- 
fore desires to be excused from receiv- 
ing the Governor of the Jerseys from 
some inconveniences which attend his 
house, and which the Commissioners 
put up with; there is some reason in 
what he sayd, but I see he is fond of 



56 



receiveing his old Guests. Tea, Coffee, 
Sugar, Wine, Candles, and necessaries, 
which if not allowed before, will not 
now; the Wine here is very indifferent, 
and our Tea equipages generally earth- 
en Cups and pewter Spoons. The 
Shed in my yard will be boarded, and 
I believe it will be found too cold to be 
out of Doors, excepting just in the 
Noon of the day. I shall act in the 
best manner I can as circumstances 
offer, & render every place as conveni- 
ent as possible, & keep those places 
bespoke, though strong application is 
made for Lodgeings here and houses, 
by Letters to various persons. 

I am. Sir, your most Obedt Servant, 
CHARLES SWAINE. 

P. S. After I had Sealed this i^etter.the 
Butcher in Town, Anthony Esser, came 
and Informed me Vernon would buy no 
meat of him, and he hath engaged 
many Beefs, unless he will quit his 
house, which is engaged to me, & let it 
to the Commissioners or the Quakers; 
now the Commissioners have room; 
This will be to the Poor man's great 
Loss. 
To Richard Peters, Esqr, Philadelphia. 

On September 22, 1758, Governor 
Denny issued a proclamation prohibit- 
ing the sale of liquor to the Indians at 
this conference, and Secretary Peters 
received directions to serve the Magis- 
trates of the county of Northampton 
with it and to affix copies at all public 
places in the county. 

The following letter to Mr. Peters 
was evidently written before Mr. 
Croghan had knowledge of the Gov- 
ernor's action: 

"Easton, Sep. 26th, 1758. 

"Sir: I have wrote ye Governor a 
Long Letter which you will see, as the 
Indians has been always Drunk Mr. 
Wiser nor my self could nott do any 
business with ye Indians, I Suspect 
that Teedyuscung is kept Drunk hear 
on purpus to serve some end, Butt I 
hope on ye Governors perusing my let- 
ter he will take such steps as will pre- 
vent such abuses on his Government, 
there must in my opinion be something 
very Extroynery in Vew or else the 
Comm's wold Neaver have ordered 
their Comeseray heer to give out so 
much Liquer, itt Looks bad in them I 
think to putt such confidence in so in- 
famous a villian att this Time. 

"Pray send up ye Scalps & Wam- 
pum which I spoak aboutt, and Wam- 
pums for ye Treaty, hear is some of ye 
Indian Cheefs which are ye frends, and 
has no belts to speke with, you should 
therefore make them a present of 
some, and I think the Governor should 
Insist haveing ye Distrubiting such pri- 
vett presents as he should think prop- 



er, or else he would nott apear as a 
Governor. I think you should give him 
a hint of that, and by all Mains ye 
Distribusion of Liquors should be tak- 
en out of Vernon hands, I have Never 
Received a Line from General Forbes, 
p'haps he is nott well plesed with me, 
if you can inform what he intends to do 
pray do itt p Bearer. In a few days I 
shall be able to left you know what 
Cheefs of such nation will be hear, 
what their Veues may be, and how 
things may be settled, if we are to 
have a Treaty at all. 

"I am sir, Your most obedient 
Servant, 

"GEO. CROGAN. 

"P. S. You'l excuse boath Writing 
& peper, and guess at my Maining, 
for I have this Minnitt 20 Drunken 
Indians about me, I shall be Ruin'd if 
ye Taps are nott stopt, itt Does nott 
cost me less than £3 a day on ye In- 
dians Extraguenty." 

The provincial Council at its meet- 
ing in the State House [Independence 
Hall] on 25 Septemoer received a let- 
ter from Mr. Weiser, wherein he gives 
an Account of the ill behaviour of 
Teedyuscung and the Indians at Eas- 
ton, and upon Consideration of the 111 
Consequences that may attend such ir- 
regularity it was unanimously judged 
proper that some person should im- 
mediately be sent who can keep the 
Indians in order; and Mr. Peters was 
requested to undertake this, as being 
acquainted with the Indians and used 
to their Manners and tempers, and Mr. 
Peters consented to do. 

On the afternoon October 7th the 
governor and Council arrived at Eas- 
ton, and was immediately waited upon 
by Teedyuscung accompanied by Mo- 
ses Tatamy, and several others and 
made his salutation as follows: 

"Brother. 

"I am glad to see you here again; 
you may remember that we have al- 
ready made Peace, and you desired 
me to halloo aloud and give notice of 
it to all the Indians round about. 

"I have spoke loud and raised my 
Voice and all the Indians have heard 
me, as far as the Twightwees and have 
regarded it, and are now come to this 
Place. 

"I bid you welcome and join with 
me in casting up our Eyes to Heaven 
and praying the Blessing of the Su- 
pream Being on our Endeavours. 

"According to our usual custom I 
with this String wipe the Dust and 
Sweat off your Face and clear your 
Eyes, and pick the Briars out of your 
Legs, and desire you will pull the 
Briars out of the Legs u^ the Indians 
that are come here, and anoint one of 



57 



them with your healing Oil, and I wiu 
anoint the other." 

The Governor returned him thanks 
for the visit and his good advice.which 
he promised to comply with, and ap- 
pointed a Meeting in the Morning for 
that Purpose. 

There were present at the opening 
of this conference, besides the Gover- 
nor and his Council, six members of 
the House of Representatives; two 
Commissioners for Indian Affairs in 
the Province of New Jersey; a number 
of Magistrates and Freeholders of 
Pennsylvania and adjoining provinces, 
and of Citizens of Philadelphia chiefly 
of the people called quakers — George 
Croghan, Deputy Agent for Indian 
Affairs under Sir William Johnson, 
Indians of the following nations: Mo- 
hawks, Oneidoes, Onondagoes, Sene- 
cas, Tuscaroras, Nanticokes, Tuteloes, 
Chugnuts, Delawares, Minisinks, Mo- 
kickons, Pumptons — in all about 500 
chiefs, warriors, women and children. 

Conrad Weiser acted as Provincial 
Interpreter; Stephen Calvin (a Jersey 
school teacher), Isaac Still and Moses 
Tatamy — all Delawares, interpreted in 
the Delaware Language; and Captain 
Henry Montour, interpreter for the six 
nations, and Andrew Montour acted as 
His Majesty's interpreter. 

Later in the proceedings Governor 
Bernard, of New Jersey, and Sir Wm. 
Johnson, arrived and took part in the 
proceedings. 

Teedyuscung who had been very in- 
fluential in forming the conference act- 
ed as speaker for many of the tribes, 
but the six nations took great umbrage 
at the impertinence which he assumed 
and endeavored to destroy his influ- 
ence. Teedyuscung notwithstanding 
he was well plied with liquor bore him- 
self with dignity and firmness, refused 
to succumD to the six nations and was 
proof against the wiles of Col. Crog- 
han and the Governor. The land ques- 
tion was described, especially the pur- 
chase of 1754 at Albany by which the 
line was run from near Penn's Creek 
N. W. by W. to the western boundary 
of the State, all the land imder that 
purchase beyond the Allegheny moun- 
tains was restored, the deed being con- 
fined for the remainder except for 
lands on the west Branch. The Deed 
is I believe recorded at Easton. 

On October 22d news came from 
General Forbes that a large body of 
French and Indians had attacked his 
advance post at Loyalhanna and were 
repulsed with great loss which infor- 
mation was communicated to the In- 
dians. 

On the morning of the 23d one of the 
Seneca Chiefs died. Condolence cere- 



monies and the usual presents being 
made, he was interred the same morn- 
ing, many of the Inhabitants attending 
the funeral. 

On the 25th, the Indians were em- 
ployed the entire day in distributing 
the presents among the several tribes. 
A list of these presents is printed in 
the minutes of the Conference. 

Before concluding the conference 
Thomas King, Chief of the Oneidas, 
spoke and requested that inasmuch as 
many of those present were old and 
infirm, they be furnished with wagons 
to carry them to Wyoming where they 
had left their canoes. And after ad- 
dressing the Delawares and pointing 
out to them their duty, he espied Mr. 
Vernon, the tavern keeper, and ex- 
pressed the desire that now as busi- 
ness was over, Mr. Vernon "might be 
ordered to take the Lock off the Rum, 
and let it run freely, that, as they were 
going away, their Hearts might be 
made glad." 

"Some wine and Punch was then 
ordered it, and the Conferences were 
concluded [on October 26th] with 
great joy and mutual Satisfaction." 
There is a well founded tradition in 
connection with this treaty which may 
interest descendants of the principal 
in the stoi'y. Susanna, the little 
daughter of Peter Kachlein, went to 
see the Indians encamped near Hamil- 
ton street, but was driven off by a 
drunken squaw who ran after her with 
a knife in her hand, threatening to 
kill her. She escaped with a fright, 
and lived to marry Peter Shnyder, the 
tanner, and these were the grandpar- 
ents of the Rev. George C. Heckman, 
D. D. (whose death has just occurred), 
and the ancestors of a legion of 
other worthy people. 

The fifth conference opened at Eas- 
ton on August 5, 1761, there being pres- 
ent Governor James Hamilton and his 
Council, Samuel Weiser, James Sher- 
lock, Isaac Still and Rev. David Zeis- 
berger acting as Interpreters. Teedy- 
uscung was present with deputies from 
nine tribes — in all about 400 in at- 
tendance. Allusion was made by the 
Governor to the death since the last 
meeting of Conrad Weiser. The busi- 
ness of this, and the meeting in the 
following year related chiefly to the 
settlement of land matters in the Wyo- 
ming Valley. After the distribution of 
presents the treaty was concluded on 
August 12th. and the Governor and his 
party on the same day set out for Phil- 
adelphia. 

The Sixth Conference was held at 
Easton in June, 1762. The minutes of 



58 



the Provincial Council are blank be- 
tween June 12 and August 6, but the 
Archives print a speech of Teedyus- 
cung dated Easton, June 28, 1762, ad- 
dressed to Governor Hamilton and Sir 
William Johnson retracting his 
charge of forgery and fraud against 
the proprietaries. To this Governor 
Hamilton replied from Easton under 
the same date, addressing the same to 
"Brother Teedyuscung and all our In- 
dian Brethren now present" ..*..*..* 
*..*.. and concluded by saying "And 
now Brethren, I hope that all Heart 
Burnings and Animosities are at an 
End, and will be buried so deep in the 
Earth as never to rise again, and that 
we and our children may live in per- 
fect peace and friendship together, as 
Brethren, as long as the Sun shines 
and the Rivers run. In confirmation 
whereof I give you this Belt — a Belt of 
twelve Rows." 

The following expense accounts in 
connection with the Indian treaty held 
at Easton in 1762 are interesting, and 
are here printed for the first time. 

The John Hays rererred to kept a 
public nouse or tavern on the road 
from Bethlehem to Gnadenhuflen, on 
the Mahoning, which road had been 
laid out in 1747, it being urged by the 
petitioners "that many inhabitants of 
this and the neighboring Provinces 
have frequent occasion of going beyond 
the Blue Mountains to Mahoning Creek 
and to the Healing Waters lying not 
far from thence." Hays' tavern stand 
was at Weaversville, in East Allen 
township. Weisser, the Indian inter- 
preter, tells us that on his return from 
the second conference at Easton he 
"dined at one Hays', the Indians and 
soldiers upon cold beef and sider, 
Deedjoskon [Teedyuscung] and four or 
fiv' more with me." 

Ye Landlord Hays was the ancestor 
of a large family of descendants, some 
of whom for many years remained in 
the "Settlement, others latterly locat- 
ing on the Susqueaanna in the vicinity 
of Williamsport, and everywhere they 
are an eminently respectable people, 
many having attained prominence in 
the professions. 

[Lelcer.] 
To Mr. John Hays. 

You are to give the Indians who are 
coming to the Treaty Provisions, until 
they set off for Easton, & if any of 
them are very tyr'd or sick give them 
a Gill of Rum p day, as no syder or 
beer is to begot, and you must keep a 
true act. of Provisions & rum, which 
acct. you must produce to the Governor 
& Commissioners either at Easton or 
Philada, & you must be careful not to 
exceed the quantity of rum lest the 



Indians shou'd be Drunk & perhaps 
commit some Mischief. You must not 
entertain aie Indians longer than Mon- 
day morning, or till the last of them 
comes this length. 

GEO. ARMSTRONG. 
12 June, 1762. 
1762 — John Jtiays account against the 
Government for vitualing of 
Tieodouscon and company 
coming to treaty: 

£ S D 

June 12 to 14 to breakfast 7 4 

to 19 half gills rum at 

Is 6d p qrt 1 4 

to 15 half gills rum. .. .0 1 5 

to 7 half Jills rum 10 

to 2 half Jills rum 3 

to Dinner 43 1 8 8 

13 to Breakfast 43 1 8 8 

to rum 39 half gills... 3 8 
to a horse to Easton on 

my own act 5 

15 to 5 breakfast 2 8 

to 5 supper one half 

jill rum 3 5 

16 to 3 breakfast 2 

to 5 Dinner 3 4 

to 10 half Jills rum 1 

to 11 Eating 7 4 

to 5 Eating 3 4 

to 5 half Jills rum 6 

5 2 9 
11 June 1762. 

The expenses of Teedyuscong & his 
party on their arrival here is £0-14-9. 

G. ARMSTRONG. 
John Hay's House. 

Bro't from the small paper. . £5. 2.9 
Brought down 14.9 



£5.17.6 
Received the above sum of George 
Armstrong. 

JOHN HAYS. 
Easton 18 June 1762. 
Reed of Mr. Hopkeson 

The sum of Five Pounds, Seven- 
teen Shillings & Six Pence in full of 
the above Bill. 

GEO. ARMSTRONG. 
28 June ,1762 Easton— £5.17.6. 
In addition to Hays' bill is that of 
Robert Levers as follows: 
The Proprietaries of Pennsylvania to 
Robert Levers Dr. for Sundries sent 
up by a waggon to Easton for the 
use of the Governor and his com- 
pany viz't. 
1762 June 14th. 

1 Quarter Cask Madeira Wine. 16 5 
10 Gallons Jamaica Spirit® 

7-6 •. . 3 15 

A cagg 3 9 

1 £ Hyson tea 1 10 

A cannister 12 

4 Loaves doub. refin'd Sugar 



59 



£27-15d@y8 2 6 8 

4 £ ground coffee 8 

1 Box Lemons 4 00 

£28 9 7 
To 15850 Grains of 

Wampum@30 23 15 6 

To 7000 do do @40...14 



Peters on their return to 
Ptiiladelpliia 3 5 



37 15 6 



£66 5 1 

1762 July 7th Received of Richard 

Peters Esquire the above Sixty-six 

Pounds, Five Shillings & one penny 

in full. 

ROBERT LEVERS. 
Also the following expenses which 
include the above bills of Hays and 
Levers: 

ACCOUNT OF EXPENSES TO EAS- 
TON. 
June 1762. 

At Widow Davis's 1 10 — 

At Ingesley's 4 4 10 

At Bethlehem 3 10 — 

Ferage [ferriage] at do .... 6 — 
Pd Mr. Jno. Hay's on acct of 

Montour 5 6 4 

Pd Wm. Osborne pr. orders 

of Mr. Peters 12 17 9 

Pd Jno. Williamson pr. orders 

of do 5 — 

For paper at Easton 3 8 

For Trout 6 6 

Pd David Zeisberger pr. order 

of Mr. Peters 5 

For Washing at Easton 9 — 

Anthony Ashyers Tavern Bill22 — 
Lodging at the Widdow De 

Lisne's [De Lyons] 2 2 6 

Pd Mr. G. Armstrong pr. or- 
ders of Mr. Peters 5 17 6 

Pd the Smith for Shoe'g 
Horses, Lodging & Wash- 
ing 3 5 6 

For House Rent 1 10 

Pd Adam Yeo [Yohe] for 

keeping o horses 6 8 6 

Pd Wm. L. Gordon pr. order 

of Mr. Peters 13 10 — 

Gave servants at Lodggs'.... 7 6 

Pd Mr. Broadhead 80 5 

Gabe Hostler 5 — 

Pd M. Broadhead 20 — 

Pd do for serv'ts 1 17 6 

At Bethlehem 4 7 8 

Ferage [ferriage] 1 8 

At Ingesley's 6 8 

At Widdow Davis's 13 6 

At White Marsh-Sangery 1 10 

At Beggar Town for oats.... 113 
Paid Mr. Levers for Sundries 

as pr. receipt 66 5 1 

Paid for a waggon from Eas- 
ton to Philadelphia 4 10 

Paid for expences of the Gov- 
ernor, Mr. Allen & Mr. 



£275 15 9 
Paid to the Governor for 
Goods delivered to the In- 
.■lians at Easton 200 



£475 15 9 
Rec'd. One Hundred PoundslOO 
Three hundred and seventy- 
five Pounds in full £375 15 9 

7 July 1762 Received from Messrs. 
Hockley & Physick the Receivers 
General the above Three hundred 
and Seventy-five pounds 15-9 and the 
hundred pounds. 

RICHARD PETERS. 
7th July 1762 received for Mr. Chew 
one hundred pounds being the sum 
agreed upon before he went to Eas- 
ton for his trouble. 

R. PETERS. 
£100 
475 15 9 



£575 15 9 

The latter summary of expenses has 
endorsed upon it the following memo- 
randum: 

June 1762 — Easton Journey to at- 
tend Sir Wm. Johnson. 

Horses. 

Governor 3 

Mr. Allen 5 

Mr. Chew 2 

Mr. E. Shippen 2 

Mr. R. Hockley 1 

Mr. Hopkinson 1 

Mr. Wm. Peters 1 

Mr. R. Peters 2 

Mr. R. Peters, Junior.. 1 
Billy Allen 1 

19 

The following account is endorsed 
"Acct. Govr's Company from the 15 
June to the 23rd Inclusive." 

The Statement appears to be incom- 
plete, but as there is a sameness in 
the items that are given, the balance 
may with safety be imagined. 

The items are an appeal to the cause 
of temperance. 
GOVRS. COMPY 15TH JUNE 1762. 

2 Dinners £ — 3 4 

1 Club at Dinner — 1 6 

Punch — 4 6 

Wine — 2 6 

Punch — 3 — 

Wine and Punch — 8 — 

Punch and Wine — 8 — 

Ditto - 3 — 

Wine — 10 — 

Tea — 3 9 

Supper 1 10 — 

16th 
Hay 1 2 6 



60 



Oats — 

16 Breakfts — 

Punch pr coachman — 

5 Dinners — 

Punch .* — 

17 Suppers 1 

Wine and Punch — 

17th 

Oats — 

Hay 1 

Breakfts — 

launch — 

17 Dinners 1 

Wine and Punch 17 

17 Suppers 1 

Wine and Punch — 

Hay 1 

Punch pr C-man — 

Oats — 

18th 

Breakfts — 

Hay 1 

Oats — 

Punch — 

Dinners 1 

Punch 

Tea — 

Suppers 4 

Wine — 

Punch — 

19th 

Hay 1 

Oats — 

17 Breakfts — 

41 Dinners 4 

Wine 2 

Punch — 

Ditto & Wine — 

Ditto — 

Tea — 

Supper 1 

Wine & Punch — 

20th 

Oats — 

Hay — 

17 Breakfts — 

Punch — 

Do — 

Wine — 

18 Dinners 1 

Punch — 

Tea — 

Suppers 1 

Wine & Punch — 

21st 

Hay 1 

Oats — 

Breakfasts — 

Punch — 

Dinners 4 

Wine & Punch 

Tea — 

Punch — 

Suppers 1 

Wine cc Punch — 

22nd 

Hay 

Oats 



14 

16 

1 

7 

3 

14 

13 

14 
2 

17 
6 

14 
6 

14 

13 
2 
1 

16 

17 

2 

16 

3 



1 

12 

14 

15 

6 

2 
14 

17 

2 

10 

18 

5 

6 

12 

10 

16 

14 
19 
17 

6 
12 
10 
16 

4 
11 

4 



— 16 9 



— 19 6 

— 14 — 



Breakfts — 17 — 

Punch — 6 — 

Dinners 1 14 — 

Wine & Punch — 19 — 

Tea — 11 — 

Suppers 1 5 6 

Wine & Punch — 16 — 

23d 

Hay 1 2 6 

Oats — 15 — 

Breakfts — 17 — 

Punch — 9 — 

26 Dinners 2 12 — 

Wine 1 

Punch — 12 — 

Do — 6 — 

To Glasses — 6 4 

Tea — 11 — 

Suppers 1 5 6 

Wine & Punch — 12 6 

24 

Hay 1 2 6 

Oats — 14 — 

17 Breakfts — 17 — 

Cash paid the Blacksmith.. — 2 4 

Punch — 4 6 

Dinners 1 14 — 

Wine — 15 — 

Punch — 6 — 

Pasture pdto Nichs Funston — 13 — 

Punch — 1 6 

Tea — 11 — 

Punch — 3 — 

Supper 1 5 6 

Punch — 6 — 

Wine — 10 — 

25th 

Hay 1 2 6 

Oats — 14 — 

Breakfts — 17 — 

Punch — 6 — 

Dinners 1 12 — 

Wine — 10 — 

Punch — 6 — 

Do — 3 — 

Do pr Servt — 1 6 

Tea — 11 — 

Suppers 1 12 — 

Wine — 10 — 

Punch — 6 — 

26th 

Hay & Oats 1 15 — 

Breakfts — 16 — 

Punch — 6 — 

Dinners 1 12 — 

Punch — 6 — 

Wine — 15 — 

Punch — 1 6 

Tea — 11 — 

Punch p C-man — 1 6 

Suppers 1 16 — 

Punch — 6 — 

Wine — 10 — 

27th 

Hay & Oats 1 15 — 

Breakfasts — 16 — 

Punch — 3 — 

Do — 12 — 



61 



Wine 1 

Punch — 1 6 

Toddy — 1 — 

Wine — 5 — 

Dinners 2 8 — 

Wine — 5 — 

Tea — 11 — 

Suppers 4 12 — 

P*unch — 6 — 

Wine — 15 — 

28th 

Hay 1 2 6 

Oats — 15 — 

Breakfts — 16 — 

6 Btles Wine for Indians. . . 1 10 — 

Dinners 1 12 — 

Wine — 15 — 

Sangree — 8 — 

Do p Co-man — 2 — 

Toddy p Servts — 1 — 

Sangree — 5 — 

Washwoman's Bill — 14 6 

Tea — 11 — 

Punch — 7 6 

25 Suppers 2 10 — 

9 Btles Wine 2 5 — 

Sangree & Toddy — 4 6 

29th 

Hay & Oats 1 17 6 

Breakfts — 16 — 



£131 15 — 

A conference (seventh) with the Six 
Nations was held at Easton in 1777, 
and Henry in his history of the Lehigh 
Valley states that the report shows 
that "they met in the German Reform- 
ed Church of Easton, and after the 
shaking of hands and drinking rum, 
during which time the organ was play- 
ed, proceeded to business, &c." 

Thus far I have been unable to find 
any ofhcial record to confirm Mr. 
Henry's statement, but I doubt not he 
had good reasons for giving to the 
ancient church structure on Pomfret 
street this unique association with 
Easton's early history. 

The following correspondence con- 
cerning this meeting is not without 
interest: 
Westmoreland [Wilkes-Barre], Jan'y. 

9th, 1777. 

Gentlemen: The Bearers hereof are 
part of a Large Body of Indians belong- 
ing to the Six Nations who have Ex- 
pressed their friendship for the United 
States of America at a Counsell held 
in this Place this day; they also in- 
form us they are upon a Journey to 
Philadelpnia to speak with the Con- 
gress, (if returned,) Otherways intend 
to see General Washington. They have 
Desired us to write to you, & beg that 
they may be Pointed to Places to Es- 
cape the Small Pox and other Pesti- 
lential Disorders, (if such there be 
among you.) This is wrote upon their 



Particular Desire, to give you Informa- 
tion of the approach of the Body of In- 
dians, which consists of about two 
Hundred wien. women & children; and 
they further desirfed us to request of 
you your Influence, that their Proposed 
treaty might be at Eastown if it be 
possiole at this time, for fear of the 
Disorders &c.. Mentioned as above; 
we doubt not but you will Pay due at- 
tention to these People at this time 
when their favors will be more Eligi- 
ble than their Frowns. 

We beg leave, Gent'n, to Subscribe 
Ourselves your friends & very 
Humble Servants, 

NATHAN DENISON, 
WM. JUDD, 
CHRIST. AVERY. 

To Eastown Committee. 

The journal of the Continental Con- 
gress for JanuaiT 24, 1777, contains 
the following record: 

"Whereas Congress are informed 
that certain tribes of Indians living 
in the back parts of the country, near 
the waters of the Susquehanna, who 
are within the Confederacy and under 
the protection of the Six Nations, the 
friends and allies of these United 
States are upon motives friendly and 
peacable, now on their way to Easton, 
in the State of Pennsylvania; and 
whereas, such may be the poor and ne- 
cessitous circumstances of these In- 
dians, as to demand the attention of 
Congress; it is therefore 

"Resolved, That the Committee of 
Congress at Philadelphia, deliver to 
George Walton and George Taylor, 
esquires, or to either of them, 1,000 
dollars; who are directed to purchase 
therewith such presents as may be 
suitable for the said Indians, and that 
one or both of them forthwith repair 
to Easton, and in the name of t'liis 
Congress, inform the said Indians, that 
although in the opinion of Congress, it 
is altogether improper for them to 
kindle a council-fire at that place, as 
they have already done the same at 
Albany where by their Commissioners 
they hold their councils, and commun- 
icate every matter of importance to 
their good friends, the Six Nations.and 
their allies, of which these tribes are 
a part, yet in regard to the good and 
peaceable conduct of these nations, 
and in consideration of their wants, 
which this Congress are much inclined 
to believe, and also in token of their 
friendship for them, as well as for all 
other Indians, who are at peacj with 
these States, they, the said George 
Walton and George Taylor, esquires, 
are directed to deliver these presents 
to them; and they are at the same 
time to signify to tJtie said Indians.that 



62 



this Congress have an entire confidence 
that the same peaceable and friend- 
ly conduct will be observed by 
them, which they have hitherto re- 
garded." 

"Ordered, That the said Messieurs 
Walton and Taylor be furnished with 
a copy of the foregoing resolution for 
their direction." 

The Council of Safety of Pennsylva- 
nia, then in session at the State House, 
Philadelphia, on January 20, 1777, had 
made prior arrangements to be repre- 
sented by adopting the following: 

"Resolved that Colonel [Joseph] 
Dean and Colonel [John] Bull be ap- 
pointed to attend the Treaty to be held 
with the Indians at Easton on Monday 
next [January 27th] on behalf of this 
Council; when they are to advise and 
concur with the Committee of Assem- 
bly and Congress in all such measures 
as they shall think proper to preserve 
peace and harmony with the Indian 
Nations." 

On the following day the Council 

"Resolved, That Mr. Thomas Payne 
be appointed Secretary to the Commis- 
sioners for the Indian Treaty to be 
held at Easton on Monday next." 

On January 26th Col. Bull wrote the 
Council as follows: 

"Sir: We left the Council without 
any Instructions and Wether we are to 
have any or Who shall give them. Con- 
gress, Council of bafety or Assembly, 
I will not undertake to say, but when I 
waited on Mr. Robert Morris he in- 
formed me that they Had wrote to 
Congress, and that if any answer ar- 
rived In time it ought to be sent for- 
ward to Eastown. I take the Liberty 
of Communicating a few hints which I 
think ought to be attended to unless 
we are Instructed to the Contrary. If 
we find them well Disposed, shall En- 
deavor to Cultivate a good understand- 
ing with them, and Likewise Lay the 
Ground work of a Greater Treaty next 
Summer at such time and Place as 
may Suit them best. I think under our 
Circumstances Something Bestowed in 
that way to Continue the friendship of 
the Indians may be of infinite advan- 
tage under our present struggle, at the 
same time it will be Necessary to as- 
sure them your own Sufficiency and 
Strength in Carrying on the War 
against our Enemies, how farr it will 
be Prudent or Practicable to Explain 
the Cause thereof I have as yet not 
fully Deliberated upon. 

"I am, Sir, with Due Respect, your 
verry Hu'ble Servt., JOHN BULL. 

"Norriton [Township, Montgomery 
county, Pa.], Jan'y 26, 1777, 8 o'clock 
A. M." 

"To the Honl. Thomas Wharton.Esq., 



Prestdt. Council of Safety." 

On the z8th he reported to Council 
as follows, through President Wharton: 

"Sir: We are Just arrived at Eas- 
town, where we found about the same 
Number of Indians we expected, and 
Tolerably well Disposed, tho' much in 
want of almost Every Necessary, one 
article In Particular, vitz., about fif- 
teen Camp Kettles, not of the largest 
Size; the Bearer of this Comes Express 
with two Horses On Purpose to bring 
them up. Please to Let Mr. Howel 
Dispatch him Immediately, as it will 
be absolutely Necessary they should 
be here before we make a Distribution 
of the goods. We this morning heard 
by a Gentn. from headquarters, which 
he Left Two Days ago, that Forts Inde- 
pendence and Washington are Realy 
taken. If you have anything New, 
pray send it. 

"I am, Sir, with Due Respect, your 
Hubl. Servt., JNO. BULL. 

"Eastown, January 28, 1777, 9 o'clock 
A. M 

"N. B. — Please to send the Medals 
which Mr. Syng promised to Send to 
the Council, it they are Come to hand; 
if not, send the Messenger without 
them, as they are not of so much Con- 
sequence. 

On January 30th the Council issued 
an order on Hayman Levy, merchant 
(as his name suggests), of Philadel- 
phia, "to make up an assortment of 
articles fit for a Treaty with 70 Indians 
(exclusive of women and children). 
He accordingly pack'd up the following 
Goods, for which a receipt was given 
by tiie secretary: 

"96G0 White Wampum, 20500 Black 
Wampum, 30 Moons and 30 Hair pipes 
of Conk Shell, 6 pair Arm Bands, 12 
Gordiots, 100 Broaches, 37 Pair Ear 
Bobs all of Silver, which with 15 Camp 
Kettles were this day forwarded to 
Cols. Bull and Dean, Commissioners on 
the part of this Council at Easton." 

Col. Bull on January 31st again re- 
ported to the Council of Safety as fol- 
lows: 

"Sir: The Delegates from Congress 
Colls Taylor & Walton arriv'd on Wens- 
day ye 29th and yesterday ye 30th we 
open'd the Treaty, when the Indians 
Delivr'd Two Strings, Three Belts and 
about half their Talk. They having 
Three belts more to deliver this Day, 
the Indians seem to be Inclined to act 
the wise Part, with Respect to the 
present Dispute if they are to be relied 
on they mean to be Neuter, we have 
already Learnt their good Intentions & 
Great Expectations in Receiving Pres- 
ents. However I think we have full 
as much wita us as will satisfy them, 
we have not a word of news here, more 



63 



Soldiers Returning from than there are 
going to the Camp. I hope that is not 
the case in Philada." 

"I am Sir with Comps. to my Breth- 
ren your Hubl. Servt, 

"JOHN BULL." 

The journals of Congress show that 
on June 13, 1777, the Auditor General 
reported due Abraham Berlin, chair- 
man of the Committee of Northampton 
county, "for the amount of his account 
of sundries supplied the Indians by 
order of the Commissioners at the Con- 
ference held at Easton, $1,410.48." 

The State archives contain the fol- 
lowing account of 
"THE EXPENCE OF THE INGENS." 

To 1 Gall, of spiritts £2 4 

To 1 Bottel 1 

To 2 wine Decanters 12 6 

To 18 Gall, of Sider 2-8 2 8 

To 11 Gall. Sider J. C, 8-0. . . 4 8 

To 7 Boles Tody 110 

To 4 Dobel Boles Do 1 4 

To 15 Nithes and Days hay for 

one horse 2 5 

To 11 Do 1 13 

8 Do 1 4 

7 Do 1 1 

£18 1 6 
2 Nithes hay 4 



£18 5 6 

Received Fb'y 18th, 1777, of Jas. 
Dean, the within acc't in full, for Isaac 
Sidman. HENRY FULLERT. 

Isaac Sidman, above referred to, was 
a native of Orange county, N. Y., who, 
when a youth, came to Easton, and 
there engaged in surveying and as a 
dealer in real estate. Two of his prop- 
erties in Plainfleld township, after the 
English custom, were named "Montpe- 
lier" and Belfast" respectively. He 
married Elizabeth Nungesser, a daugh- 
ter of Peter Nungesser, of the inn 
bearing the "Sign of the Globe," after- 
wards known as the "Bull's Head." 
He was a colonel of militia in the 
Revolutionary War. He died at Eas- 
ton in 1807, leaving a son Samuel, a 
daughter who married George Bush 
and one who married Paul Higgins. 
Descendants of these are living. 

Henry Fullert, whose name appears 
on many of the official documents of 
early times, was at this period the 
sheriff of the county. 

The Committee on Indian Affairs, of 
the Continental Congress, on February 
27, 1777, brought in a report as follows, 
which was read and ordered to lie on 
the table: 

"That the treaty said to be entered 
into at Easton the 30 day of Jan'y 1777 
between George Walton and George 
Taylor Esqs. in behalf of the United 



States, and certain Indians pretending 
to be a Deputation from the Six Indian 
Nations, be disapproved of, as no Pow- 
ers did exist in either of the Partys to 
enable them to engage in such Treaty. 

"That Copys of said Treaty, together 
with the Resolutions of Congress and 
all other papers relative to said Nego- 
tiation, be transmitted to the Commis- 
sioners of Indian Affairs in the North- 
ern Department, who are directed to 
take such steps as to them shall ap- 
pear prudent to prevent any ill effects 
which may result from said Transac- 
tion. 

"That said Commissioners make such 
enquiry as they shall judge proper 
wheither any real Uneasiness does ex- 
ist amongst the Indians of the Six 
Nations respecting any Settlements 
which they may suppose have been 
made upon their Lands by the People 
of these United States as mentioned in 
said Treaty and transmit the Result of 
such Enquiry to Congress." 

The following genealogical and bio- 
graphical notes concerning the two 
Indian chiefs whose names are inti- 
mately associated with the Colonial 
history of your community are given 
as a matter of recc ) d : 

TEEDYUSCUNG. 

1. Capt. Harris, of Pocopoco, a "Dela- 
ware of the Lowlands," migrated from 
the Raritan, New Jersey, the neighbor- 
hood where his ancestors, the Lenape, 
had been seated from time immemo- 
rial in company with others of the 
Turtle trioe, to the Province of Penn- 
sylvania about the year 1725. Finding no 
white men at the Forks of the Dela- 
ware, they gypsied unmolested along 
the Leheitan. Monocasy, Catasauqua 
and the Hockenuaqua all south, and 
along the Aquanshicola and Pocopoco 
north of the Blue Mountains. On cross- 
ing this barrier they reached the land 
of their kinsmen, the Wolf Delawares 
or Monseys. They built their wigwams 
along the Pocopoco, and there Capt. 
Harris becoming aged and infirm in 
after years was, as is often the case 
with old Indians "left to starve to 
death." He was twice married. Of 
his children we have the following: 

2. i. Teedyuscung, born about 1705, 
of whom presently. 

ii. Tom. 

3. iii. . Weshichagechene, or Nicode- 
mus. 

4. iv. Sam Evans. 

5. V. Capt. John, of Nazareth. 

II. Teedyuscung, born about 1705; 
was king of the Delawares and an In- 
dian of great prominence in Pennsylva- 
nia Provincial history; was burned to 
death in his cabin on the nineteenth of 
cornplanting month, Tauwinipen 



64 



(April), 1763. Was called Honest 
John. When he was converted to the 
Moravian faith and baptized by them 
he was named "Gideon." His wife's 
English name was Elizabeth, daughter 
of Erdmuth, and was baptized by Rev. 
Martin Mack. Their children were: 

i. Tachgokanhelle, born 1728, bap- 
tized at Gnadenhutten by Bishop Cam- 
merhoff December 14, 1750, and named 
"Amos;" married Pingtis, a Jersey 
Delaware, sister of Agnes Post, and at 
her baptism by Bishop Cardmerhoff in 
17.50 named "Justina." 

ii. Kesmitas. 

iii. John Jacob. 

lil.. Weshichagechene, or Nicode- 
mus, alias Joe Evans; a prominent In- 
dian character in our Provincial his- 
tory; his children, all baptized at Gnad- 
enhutten, were: 

i. Zacharuas. 

ii. Christina. 

iii. Nathan. 

iv. Thom-as. 

v. Gashatis. 

vi. Dorothea. 

IV. Sam Evans, son of Capt. Harris, 
of Pocopoco, had, among other chil- 
dren: 

i. Aktees, or Theodora, born 1742, 
died January 17, 1761, at Bethlehem. 
ii. Joe Evans, 
iii. Sam Evans, Jr. 

V. Captain John, of Nazareth, was 
expelled from his corn lands and peach 
orchards by the whites in 1742. Of 
his children we have the name of: 

i. Capt. Harris, Jr., alias Peter, bap- 
tized January 21, 1/5). 

Teedyuscung had a grandson in 
1756, John Swalling, but the names of 
his parents are unknown. 

Tedyuscung has not been altogether 
forgotten. On the summit of the pre- 
cipitous "Indian Rock" overlooking the 
picturesque Wissahickon creek, near 
Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, will soon 
be erected a handsome bronze statue 
to cost about $7,000, presented by 
Charles W. Henry, Esq., a prominent 
citizen of Chestnut Hill. In designing 
the statue, this famous Indian Chief is 
clothed in the full war regalia of the 
Lenni Lenape tribe, which until 17G3 
had their home in these parts. The 
rock on which the statue is to be 
erected, and where since 1856 a wood- 
en figure of Tedyuscung has stood, was 
formerly known as Council Rock, the 
last council of the Lenape tribe of In- 
dians having been held on this rock 
in 1763, just before their departure for 
the reservation granted them in the 
Wyoming Valley. It was on this rock 
according to legendary history that 
Tedyuscung took a farewell look over 
the beautiful Wissahickon ravine. 



TATAMY. 
The history of your picturesque 
Bushkill Valley and the traditions 
which are associated with it relate 
chiefly to the period ante dating the 
Revolution. It was a favorite locality 
for the Indians, the chief of which was 
the one bearing the above name — 
sometimes also written Tattami, To- 
tami, and Titimy, and who was some- 
times called "Old Moses," also Tundy." 
He was born in the Province of New 
Jersey about the year 1695, but when 
young moved into the forks of the Del- 
aware. He acted as interpreter and 
peacemaker for the Proprietaries for 
a number of years. During the year 
1758 he was sent by the Governor 
of New Jersey with a message to the 
Minisink Indians. He also served as 
interpreter for the celebrated mission- 
ary David Brainerd, became a convert 
to his religion, himself and wife receiv- 
ing the right of baptism on the 21st of 
July, 1745, the former receiving the 
name of Moses Tunda Tatamy. Tat- 
amy made a settlement and had a plan- 
tation near a place called the "Orch- 
ard," in the vicinity of the present vill- 
age of Stockertown, in Northampton 
county, previous to the year 1733. In 
that year a survey, including the settle- 
ment and plantation, was made for 
him, the tract containing 315 acres and 
allowance. This tract was warranted 
to him by patent dated April 28, 1738 
(called patent No. 1), "in considera- 
tion of the friendship we bear and the 
regard always expressed for the Indi- 
ans of this, our Province." But since 
the tract of land granted by this patent 
was subject to an entailment, a new 
patent was given him, his heirs and 
assigns, dated January 22, 1741, upon 
condition of his paying the sum of 
£48 8s. 6d. and surrendering patent 
No. 1, in order to be cancelled. This 
tract afterwards became the property 
of William Allen, as the following re- 
ceipt will show: "Received, Philadel- 
phia, January 8, 1760, of Melchoir 
Stecher, £56, in part of interest due 
from George Shombach on the tract of 
land of 315 acres I sold Shombach in 
Northampton county 27th December, 
1753, who has since sold the same to 
Melchoir Stecher, to whom I am to con- 
vey said tract of land in fee, upon his, 
the said Melchoir Stecher, paying the 
remaining principal of the considera- 
tion money, being £222 14s. and £10 
13s. lOd., being the balance of interest 
due thereon the 27th December, 1759. 
William Allen." It seems that the title 
from Allen to Stecher was not perfect- 
ed during the lifetime of the former, 
for we find that Edward Shippen, as 
executor of William Allen, deceased, 

65 



by deed July 24, 1800, conveyed said 
tract called "Tatamy's Tract" to Henry 
and Matthias Stecher, devisees of Mel- 
choir Stecher, deceased. After care- 
ful search among the records of North- 
ampton county we have been unable to 
find the conveyance to W. Allen or a 
recital to that effect. The missing deed, 
if found, would supply a link in the 
history of Tatamy. Of his death we 
have no information. Of the descend- 
ants of Tunda Tatamy we know but 
little. He had sons, William and Nicho- 
las. On the 8fh day of July, 1757, Wil- 
liam was shot by a Scotch-Irish lad 
while straying from a body of Indians 
who were marching from Fort Allen 
to Easton under escort of Capt. Jacob 
Arndt.irom the effects of which he soon 
after died. Nicholas died near Easton 
some time during the year 1784, and 
left a wife, Ann, and a son called 
Moses. The records of Northampton 
county show that Ann made her mark 
but Moses wrote his own name in a 
fair handwriting. The personal prop- 
erty of Nicholas Tatamy was appraised 
by Philip Odenwelder and Johannes D. 
Walter, and amounted to £4 10s. 6d. 
He at one time owned a tract of land 
containing 180 1^ acres, called the 
Indelamookong, situated on the north- 
east branch of the Susquehanna river, 
opposite the Indian settlement called 
Sheshequin, formerly in Northampton 
county. This tract was granted to 
him by patent dated December 6, 1773. 
He afterwards sold it to a certain John 
Brotsman, of the city of Philadelphia. 

'i'he announcement of the shooting 
of "Bill Tatamy" was thus made by 
Capt.Arndt in a letter to the Governor: 

"Easton, July 8, 1757. 
"May it please your Honor: 

"Sir: According as Titiuskong ar- 
rifed att fort AUin the 4th of these 
Instend July, with aboud 150 Indins, 
with young and old, and aboud fivety 
was there allredey with young and old, 
and according as Titiuskong hath In- 
foi-med me that above one houndered 
of the Sinekers Indins would come 
after him, that he was Intended to 
waid fore them att fort Allin six or 
seven Days, but as I fal wery shord 
with Provisions I was obligd to march 
with the Indins yesterday from fort 
Allin, there number was 150 that went 
with me to Easton, and the Remainder 
Stayd att fort Allin * * * sum 
went back with little Provision fore 
there famly Down, and yeasterday I 
Came so fare with them as to John 
Haysis.and there Wee Stayed all night 
and these Day, wee set off from there 
and arrifed Safe at Easton, with all the 
Indins except one, William Dattame, 
an Indin, went with oud my Knowl- 



edge, and against my orders to Bathlo- 
ham, and it hapened on his Road wen 
he had Turned off that a foolish wite 
boy, aboud 15 years of eage, folowed 
him, and Shot him in the Right Thigh 
of the out sid bone, but not morterly, 
and Just when I came with the Indins 
and Ten men of my Company to escord 
the Indins to Easton, William Hays 
came after me exepress with these In- 
formation, that William Dattamy was 
Shot, and according as mayor Parsons 
is absand from Easton, I considered 
that it was wery necessecery to stay 
with my men att Easton, fore to Pro- 
tackt the Indins and to hinder all 
Scrobel and * * * which might 
fall out between Wite People and the 
Indins, until I shall Receve your 
houners fourter orders. 

"I am Sir, with all due Respect, 

"Your humble Serwind 

"att command, 
"JACOB ARNDT." 

After the shooting of young Tatamy 
he was attended by Dr. Otto, of Beth- 
lehem, who had him conveyed to the 
house of John Jones, a farmer living a 
mile east of Bethlehem. Dr. Otto re- 
ported the case to Justice Horsefield 
as follows: 

"Bethlehem, 27th July 1757. 

"Mr. Horsefield: 

"Sir: I yesterday attended William 
Tatamy twice. His wound looks well, 
is without inflammation, and dis- 
charges its pus regularly. The swell- 
ing is also gone. Today he turned him- 
self alone, which he has not been able 
to do before, so that I believe, with 
good nursing and attendance, if noth- 
ing unforseen happens, he may, by 
God's Help, recover. The violent 
Pain he complains of, at times, I appre- 
hend, proceeds from some of the bones 
in his Grom being shot thro', or at 
least the tendinous parts being much 
lacerated. You may depend upon it I 
shall do all in my power to perfect a 
cure. 

"I am Sir, 
"Your most humble servt., 
"JOHN MATTHEW OTTO." 

And to Governor Denny as follows: 
Bethlehem, 31st Jul. 1757. 
May it please your Honour, 

By the Letter I sent last Thursday, 
the 28th July, I gave your Honor an 
Account how it was with Wm. Tatamy, 
& the Circumstances of his Wound 
that Morning. The same Evening I 
found him in great Pains, the Wound 
did not look so well as before, and dis- 
charg'd very little of its Pus, & that 
mixt with Blood, and he had a very 
bad Night. 

Jul. 29th. In the Morning came 
nothing from the Wound but a little 



66 



Blood, mix'd with Water. In the Even- 
ing he felt some Ease from his great 
Pains, but was Weaker than ever be- 
fore, and his Puis was very low, in 
which Circumstances Dr. Moore has 
seen him, who promis's me to acquaint 
your Honour therewith. In the Night 
thereupon he slept pretty much, but 
mostly out of Weakness. Yesterday 
he continued to sleep now & then, & 
his Puis was something better; he 
slept also last Night better than before. 

This Morning, it being Sunday, Jul. 
31st, I open's His Thigh on the lower 
part, where for several Days I had ob- 
serv'd a gathering, & the opening dis- 
char'gd half a pint of extravasated 
Blood, with some stinking Matter. As 
soon as I had made the Incision the 
Indian said he did feel himself much 
eased, and I hope it win have a good 
Effect. His Hand & Feet who have 
been almost continually cold, I have 
found today in a natural Warmth. 

I shall further acquaint your Honour 
how I find him from Day to Day. 

I am, 

Your Honour's 

Most obedient humble Servant, 
JOHN MATTHEW OTTO. 

P. S. — Aug. 1st. As the Messenger 
by whom I intended to send this Let- 
ter was stopt yesterday by the Indians 
who were to go with him, I can ac- 
quaint your Honour that a piece of 
Tendon, near 2 Inches long, came out 
of the Incision I have made last Night, 
and this morning the Wound where the 
Bullet has enter'd, discharg'd a piece 
of the Bone and I suspect some more. 

After lingering a month young Tata- 
my died August 9th, 1757, at the house 
of Mr. Jones. Meanwhile he was visit- 
ed Dy the Moravians of Bethlehem and 
ministered to spiritually by Rev. Jacob 
Rogers — young Tatamy having, under 
Rev. John Brainerd's teaching, become 
a convert. On August 11th he was 
buried in the old graveyard near the 
"Crown Inn," the present site of the 
Lehigh Valley Railroad station at 
South Bethlehem, in the presence of 
upwards of 200 Indians. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHESRELATING 
TO EASTON AND NORTHAMP- 
TON COUNTY, PA., AND 
THEIR INHABITANTS. 



Miscellaneous Local Conditions and 
Events in 1832. 



NEW SERIES— NO. 5. 



Contributed by Etnan A. Weaver. 



In a previous communication I re- 
ferred to the establishment at Easton 
in 1794 of the "Easton Union Academy" 
and how it became the germ from 
which sprung Lafayette College, in the 
same manner as did old Washington 
College, Virginia (now Washington and 
Lee University), chartered 1782, spring 
from the Augusta Academy, afterwards 
Liberty Hall, founded before the Revo- 
lution. 

The first organized movement to es- 
tablish a college was in December, 
1824; two years later (1826) a charter 
was granted; after two more years 
(1828) an effort was made at organiza- 
tion by the election of a president, but 
no one wanted this responsibility, and 
not until 1832 did the institution get 
in working order — a slow development, 
but one typical of the times. 

The following is the first announce- 
ment made of the beginning of opera- 
tions, seventy years ago: 

"LAFAYETTE COLLEGE.— This in- 
stitution is about going into effect at 
this place on the first of April next. 
The Trustees have taken Mr. Christo- 
pher Midler's farm south of the Lehigh 
bridge, adjoining the borough, with all 
the buildings, for the institution. The 
Rev. George Junkin, at present princi- 
pal of the manuel labor school at Ger- 
mantown,i^as been appointed President 
of the college. The other professors 
have not as yet oeen selected. The 
institution will combine agriculture 
and manuel labor,with the usual course 
of collegiate studies. The terms of 
the charter authorize the taking of 
scholars of any grade, and permits 
them to graduate in any or all the 
branches. 

"The excellent location of the col- 
lege, about equidistant from Philadel- 
phia and New York, the high charac- 
ter & standing of the President, and 
the cheapness with which the students 
can be maintained and taught,we trust, 
will make this institution flourishing 
and eminently useful." 

[February 14, 1832.] 



The opening of the college became 
an incentive for the establishment of 



67 



additional preparatory schools in your 
midst: 

"SELECT SCHOOL. 

THE SUBSCRIBER lately from New 
York, will open on Monday next, at the 
Academy in this place, a Select School 
for instruction in the higher branches 
of an English Education, and in the 
Latin and Greek languages. He of 
course brings good testimonials of 
character, ability and qualifications. 
He is determined to devote himself 
witi^ untiring assiduity to the instruc- 
tion of his pupils and can warrant 
these who have any disposition to im- 
prove, a rapid progress in the branches 
they pursue. The following among 
other branches will be taught: 
TERMS. 

English Grammar 

Arithmetick ?4 per quar. 

Geography 

History 

Geometry 

Surveying $6 per quar. 

Chymistry 

Philosophy-Natural, Men- 
tal and Moral 

And the Latin and Greek 

Languages $8 per quar. 

Those who wish to attend to reading 
and writing in connexion with some 
other branch, will be received. Young 
men wishing to finish an education for 
business, and those designing to pre- 
pare for College, will do well to call. 

Applications may be made to the 
subscriber at Mrs. Lerch's, nearly op- 
posite the Library. 

N. B. — Scholars may attend the first 
week, and if not satisfied withdraw 
without charge. 

ASA A. STONE. 

Easton, January 3d, 1832." 

In strong contrast with the train 
and postal accommodations of your 
city from Philadelphia today, when 
you have sixteen trains and seven 
mails, is the following announcement 
made in 1832: 

"PHILADELPHIA AND EASTON 
LINE OF STAGES. 

The mail contract for the ensuing 
four years is taken by Mr. Reeside of 
Philadeljjhia, and the Messrs. Shouses 
of this place, and the line is a continu- 
ous one from Philadelphia via Easton 
to Mount Pleasant in Wayne County, 
on the Owego road. This line is ad- 
mirably stocked. The carriages are 
of the first order of post coaches, 
Troy built, and the horses as fine as 
those on any other line we have seen. 
Several gentlemen who have travelled 
much in stages, assure us that they 
have met with no line in the United 
States with superior accommodations. 



and few, indeed, with anything like as 
good. We trust that these enterpris- 
ing gentlemen may be encouraged as 
they deserve." 



The hundredth anniversary of the 
birth of George Washington was cele- 
brated at Easton, with special cere- 
monies. The first observance of Wash- 
ington's birthday in your vicinity was 
probably in 1809, by the Masonic lodge 
in Greenwich [Phillipsburg, N. J.] to 
which many Eastonians were attached. 
The feature of Introducing the day 
with a Birth Night BalJ came later — 
the day following (the 22d) being gen- 
erally celebrated by the militia — then 
such an important social factor. The 
observance of the anniversary of the 
birth of the "Father of his Country" 
continued on an extensive scale until 
the breaking out of the Rebellion; af- 
ter that, for some years, the only re- 
minder of the day was the parade of 
Major Meixell's Drum and Fife Corps, 
and finally all observance of the day 
was practically abandoned. 

"Birth Night Ball — The subschibers 
to the birth-night Ball, and other gen- 
tlemen desirous of attending, are re- 
quested to meet at William Shouse's 
Hotel, tomorrow evening, [Februray 
14, 18321 for the purpose of electing 
Managers and making arrangements." 

A contemporary journal contained 
the following recommendation as to its 
celebration in 1832: 

"Mr. Editor: I see that there is a 
great deal of preparation going on in 
different parts of the country, to cele- 
brate the centennial birth day of our 
illustrious Washington. In different 
places illuminations and processions 
are to take place on that day, but in 
our own goodly borough (though it is 
true some splendid preparations have 
been made by the volunteer companies) 
I think the people are somewhat back- 
ward about preparing to celebrate the 
day — therefore, I would recommend 
to the Firemen of Easton, that they 
form a procession on the 22d of Feb- 
ruary, and each company draw their 
respective Engine and Hose carriage 
in procession aroimd the town. If this 
meet the approbation of our fireman 
they had better call a general meeting 
of all tue companies, in the court house 
or any other suitable place, and fix 
on the form of the procession, and the 
station each Engine shall take in the 
same, and also the hour at which it 
shall take place. This would not only 
be giving the firemen a chance of cele- 
brating the day, but it would be grati- 
fying to a great number of our citizens, 
and it would also afford an opportunity 
of seeing the fire apparatus, with 



68 



which, I do not believe there is a 
single town, of its size, in the state, 
so well provided as Easton. These 
are the thoughts of 

A CITIZEN. 

February 14th, 1832." 

Complete accounts of how the day 
was observed are given below for per- 
manent record, and that present and 
future generations may learn some- 
thing of the patriotism of their fore- 
fathers of that time: 

"CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF 
THE BIRTH OF WASHINGTON. 

At a meeting of the Citizen Volun- 
teers, held at the public house of John 
Burt, on Saturday evening last [Febru- 
ary 11, 1832], a committee was appoint- 
ed to make the necessary arrangements 
to celebrate the day which gave birth 
to the illustrious and renowned patriot 
and statesman. Gen. George Washing- 
ton. The committee have adopted the 
following: 

1st — That the gun be conveyed to 
Mt. Jefferson on the morning of the22d 
instant, and a salute of 50 guns be fired 
at sunrise. 

2d — That the bells of the several 
public edifices in the borough com- 
mence ringing on the first repoi't of the 
"La Unca," the gun of the corps. 

3d — That the company form at the 
arsenal at the time ordered. 

4th — That the company proceed to 
the Episcopal Church at 12 o'clock 
noon, when an oration will be delivered 
by the Rev. Mr. Beasley, and the fare- 
well address of Gen. Washington read 
by Lieut. Shultze. 

5th — That after the oration the com- 
pany proceed to the house of John 
Burt, where refreshments will be pro- 
vided. 

6th — At sunset a salute of 50 guns 
be fired. 

The members of the company are 
requested to call on either of the under- 
signed committee for a badge procured 
for the occasion. 

VALENTINE WAGENER, 
JOSEPH HAMPTON, 
EDWARD L. GARREN, 
JOSIAH P. HETRICH, 
JAMES D. MASON, 

Committee." 



"CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OP 
WASHINGTON'S BIRTH BY THE 
WASHINGTON GRAYS AND 
FIRST EASTON TROOP. 
At a special meeting of the Washing- 
ton Grays held at the house of Melchoir 
Horn on Saturday evening, February 
11th, 1832, on motion, Capt. Yohe was 
called to the chair and David Barnet 



appointed Secretary pro tem. It was 

Resolved, That the Washington 
Grays celebrate the centennary birth- 
day of George Washington. 

Resolved, That the celebration of 
said anniversary shall embrace the fol- 
lowing arrangements of said company, 

1st — That the day be ushered in by 
a salute of 13 guns. 

2d — That a salute of 24 guns be fired 
at sunrise and the bells be rung. 

3d — That the company parade at 
half-past 8 o'clock, fully equipt. 

4th — That a salute of 50 gvms be 
fired at 12 o'clock and a salute of 13 
guns at sunset. 

5th — That the companies dine at 2 
o'clock at the house of William Shouse. 

Resolved, That Lieut. Field, Sergt. 
Tiudall and Private Hammann compose 
a committee to make application to the 
proper authorities to have the bells 
rung during the day. 

On, motion, the meeting adjourned. 
DAVID BARNET, Sec. pro tem." 



"CELEBRATIONS. 

Celebration of the Centennial Birthday 

of Washington by the Citizen 

Volunteers. 

The corps commenced the celebra- 
tion by one gun at daybreak, when the 
reveille was beaten. Fifty guns were 
fired at sunrise & the several bells 
rung. The corps paraded at 9 o'clock, 
and after marching through the prin- 
cipal streets of the borough, proceeded 
to Mr. White's Hotel, to receive the 
revolutionary soldiers. The line was 
formed in front of the Hotel, and after 
paying military honors to the veterans 
of '76, they wei-e received in the 
centre of the company, each wearing a 
badge furnished by the Committee of 
Arrangement. The company then pro- 
ceeded to the Episcopal Church, and 
after conducting the revolutionary sol- 
diers to seats in the chancel, the cere- 
monies of the day commenced as fol- 
lows: 

1st — Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Vander- 
veer. 

2d — Music by the Choir. 

3d — Washington's Farewell Address 
read by Lieut. Shultz. 

4th — Music by the Choir. 

5th — An oration by the Revd. Mr. 
Beasly. 

6th — Music by the Choir. 

7th — Prayer by the Revd. Mr. Beasly. 

After which the company re-formed, 
and taking the revolutionary soldiers 
again in their centre, proceeded to the 
public house of Mr. Burt, where an ex- 
cellent dinner was prepared. The 
company sat down to dinner at 2 
o'clock; after the cloth was removed, 



69 



Capt. Wagener was appointed Presi- 
dent and Lieutenant Shultz and Het- 
rich Vice Presidents. It was, on mo- 
tion, Resolved, That a committee of 
three be appointed to draft the regular 
toasts. Lieuts. Shultz and Hetrich 
and Sergeant D. W. Butz were appoint- 
ed said committee, who, after retiring, 
reported the following toasts, which 
were drank. 

TOASTS. 

1. The day we celebrate, the first 
centennary birthday we have ever 
seen, the last we may ever expect to 
see. May it be celebrated with becom- 
ing spirit throughout the United States. 

18 cheers. 

2. The President of the United 
States. 9 cheers. 

3. The Governor of Pennsylvania. 

9 cheers. 

4. The surviving heroes of 76; 
though few remain with us, let us not 
forget they are the last of a noble race 
and do becoming honor to their grey 
hairs. 18 cheers. 

5. The military convention; may the 
Legislature attend to their suggestions 
and the loud call of the volunteers for 
aid be speedily answered. 

9 cheers. 

6. Education; it was strongly recom- 
mended by Washington and should 
command the attention of Legislature 
of the present day. 9 cheers. 

7. The Union; like an ancient Castle 
composed of separate columns, to re- 
move or destroy one would be destruc- 
tion of the edifice. 

8. The Orator of the day, the reader 
of Washington's Farewell address and 
the choir of Trinity Church; they are 
entitled to the thanks of the corps. 

9 cheers. 

9. Charles Carroll of Carrollton. 

9 cheers. 

10. LaFayette, the friend of Wash- 
ington, the champion of liberty in 
America and Europe. 18 cheers. 

11. The Town Council of Easton; 
should they live to see another celebra- 
tion anniversary, may they be more 
favourably disposed to illuminations. 

9 cheers. 

12. Mechanics, the bone and sinew 
of our country. 9 cheers. 

13. The Fair sex; their appearance 
this day was highly creditable to them- 
selves and flattering to the corps. 

21 cheers." 
By Lieut. Hetrich. The nullifiers of 
the south — Like the fabled dog — ready 
to drop a certainty, and grasp at a 
shadow. 

By John Head (a revolutionary sol- 
dier, aged 75 years) — the immortal 
Washington, may his name be in re- 
membrance and revered by every true 



American as long as the globe rolls on 
its axis. And the departed worthies 
of the revolution and of the last war, 
who nobly fell in the good cause of 
libei'ty — and may due respect be paid 
to all those who have ventured their 
lives in the cause of the American 
Eagle. And may she continue to fly 
on the wings of liberty and spread 
peace and plenty throughout the world. 

By Gen. Gress, (a revolutionary sol- 
dier) — Gen. Anthony Wayne, the gal- 
lant soldier of the revolution, his name 
is found with those of Washington, La 
Fayette, and Warren. 

By Quartermaster Wright — the revo- 
lutionary soldiers who celebrate the 
day with us, living monuments of their 
country's greatness, may we be more 
willing to serve the living than to hon- 
or the dead. 

By Sergeant D. W. Butz — The sages 
of the Revolution; to honor our worthy 
sires is our greatest pride. 

By Corporal Knight — May peace and 
happiness descend upon that illustrious 
band of patriots who, despising danger 
and death, determined to be free or 
gloriously perish in the cause. 

By Thomas McNulty — America; she 
is free and independent; may she con- 
tinue to be so forever, and not forget 
our beloved Washington, who fought 
to gain her liberty. 

By John Eyerman — The memory of 
Washington; he can never be forgotten 
while republican America is his monu- 
ment. 

By E. L. Garren — The 22d of Febru- 
ary, 1732, the day which we gave birth 
to our beloved Washington, the father 
and protector of our country and 
founder of peace; may it never be for- 
gotten. 

"Each aged sire should teach his in- 
fant son 
To lisp the praise of Washington." 

By Jacob Wagener — Washington; 
may his birthday be celebrated whilst 
liberty has a friend. 

By Charles Grotz — The memory of 
Thomas Jefferson, the author of the 
Declaration of Independence. 

By John Osterstock — May every 
friend to his country and to freedom 
adopt for his motto the language of the 
exalted statesman: "Liberty and Union, 
now and forever, one and inseparable." 

By John Burt — The birth of General 
Washington; may the freedom he 
gained for us never be neglected. Pros- 
perity to the "Blues" and never mind 
the "Greys." 

By Charles D. Horn — Washington. 
"In all that he did, in all that he said. 

The bliss of mankind was intended; 
He rose for their good, to support them 
he stood. 



70 



And liberty ever defended." 

By Samuel Horn — The volunteers of 
Pennsylvania; may the Legislature 
think as much of them as they deserve. 

By the company — Our host and host- 
ess; it is not the first time they have 
received our thanks and we hope it 
will not be the last; they know how to 
cook a soldier's fare, and deserve a 
"soldier's gratitude." 

The company then formed and es- 
cored the Revolutionary soldiers to 
White's hotel, and proceeded to Mt. 
Jefferson and fired fifty rounds, com- 
pleting 100 for the day. After march- 
ing through the principal streets they 
proceeded to Centre Square and dis- 
missed at a seasonable hour, all well 
pleased with the duties of the day. 



I recently referred to the tariff agi- 
tation of this time, and also introduced 
to the readers of these sketches Anne 
Royall, w^hose account of a visit to the 
Lehigh Valley in 1828, I am pleased to 
learn, was enjoyed by many of its read- 
ers. One of her many free trade opin- 
ions was expressed in her newspaper, 
"Paul Pry," in the following character- 
istic lines: 

"We wish Congress would take the 
duty off of FLANNEL; we are nearly 
frozen to death; and let them do it soon. 
The Ninnies talking nonsense "all 
time" and we women freezing to death; 
what will they do if all the women 
freeze up." [January 17, 1832.] 

FRESHET OF 1832. 

The freshet of 1832 was the highest 
in the Delaware river since that of 
1814. It was described in a local news- 
paper as follows: 

"We have now a roaring freshet in 
the Delaware and Lehigh. The Dela- 
ware commenced rising the night be- 
fore last. Yesterday evening it was 
up to the 18 feet mark on the pier of 
the bridge. This morning at 8 o'clock 
it was at 21. The water is now 8 feet 
over the Lehigh dam. Until last even- 
ing the Lehigh was highest; during the 
night the water in the Lehigh fell and 
the Delaware got the ascendency. The 
low lands at South Easton and the 
Philadelphia road below the Lehigh 
bridge are under water, and the Phila- 
delphia stage had to take the hill road 
this morning. For some distance below 
this place the water has covered the 
tow path of the canal. What amount 
of damage is done cannot be ascer- 
tained until the subsidingof thewaters. 

Considerable apprehensions were 
last night entertained about the Lehigh 
dam. Many supposed a breach to some 



extent had occurred in it. How that 
is cannot now be ascertained. 

The banks of our rivers are pretty 
high, which saved us from much in- 
jury, and the water was considerably 
higher some years ago; still we con- 
sider it a pretty high freshet among 
us moderate folks, although it is noth- 
ing to that recently experienced on the 
Ohio, where the water rose 70 or 80 
feet. 

There has been a great deal of ice 
di-iving on the Delaware during last 
night and this morning — a Durham 
boat was caught today. We have had 
lots of trees, logs, slabs, &c. descend- 
ing, which have given employment to 
our wood catchers. Some of them 
did not place their gains high enough 
up in the world, and this morning had 
to do their work over again. 

We have had no houses, saw-mills, 
or any such new kind of craft navigat- 
ing our rivers, but have now water 
enough to float the largest steam-boat 
in the Union." 

Previous records showed the maxi- 
mum high water above low water 
mark in the Delaware to have been: 

Pumpkin Freshet of 1784, 26i^ ft. 

Freshet of 1814, 24i^ ft. 

Freshet of 1828, 17 ft. 

Freshet (above noted) 1832, 21 ft. 



The commercial statistics record 
that March 8th, 1832, there "Arrived 
at South Easton, via the Lehigh Canal, 
1,287 barrels of flour and 200 barrels of 
whiskey, from Bethlehem and Allen- 
tow^n." 

It would be interesting to know what 
was done with so much flour? 



"On Friday last [March 16, 1832] our 
annual borough election was held. We 
had quite an animated turn out. We 
give below the number of votes polled 
for the several individuals, with the 
exception of those for auditors of the 
accounts of the Town Council. The 
gentlemen whose names are in capitals 
are elected. 

TOWN COUNCIL, 

ISAAC C. WIKOFF 276 

SAMUEL YOHE 217 

S. DRINKHOUSE 166 

William Shouse 115 

Joseph Snyder 106 

John Heckman 94 

Peter Snyder 84 

CONSTABLES. 

JOHN LEIDY 295 

WILLIAM GRAY 183 

Abr'm. Sigman 166 

Charles Heckman 121 

Adam Hawk 65 

John Bell 62 

OVERSEER OF THE POOR. 



71 



WILLIAM GREENE 86 

EVAN REES 85 

ROBERT JONES, JR 83 

JOHN TITUS 82 

Peter S. Michler 78 

William Bixler 74 

W. L. Sebring 71 

Joseph Herster 69 

Peter Pomp 69 

C. Dusenbery 68 

John J. Burke 66 

J. P. Hetrich 65 

At a meeting of the Council of Eas- 
ton, on Friday the March 23d the fol- 
lowing gentlemen were chosen officers 
for the ensuing year, viz: 
President. 
Peter S. Michler. 

Treasurer. 
Jesse M. Howell. 

Town Clerk. 
Charles Kitchen. 

Chief Burgess. 
Jacob Weygandt. 

Supervisors. 
Barnabas Davis. 
Adam Lehn. 

High Constable. 
Eli Mettler. 
Street Commissioners and Committee 
on Roads. 
Abraham Miller. 
Isaac C. Wikoff. 
Samuel Yohe. 

Market Committee. 
John Barnet. 
Abraham Miller. 
Saml. Drinkhouse. 

Committee on Fire Apparatus. 
Samuel Yohe. 
S. Drinkhouse. 
John Barnet." 



An old time firemen's contest with 
appliances now antique. 

"The Water fight — Saturday last 
[April 7, 1832] was a day big with the 
fate of Firemen! The new "Phoenix" 
Company turned out to practise on the 
Engine. The "Columbia," (late Jack- 
son, for Jacksonism seems to be going 
down) followed suit. Having posted 
themselves in the square, they alter- 
nately tried which could raise the 
streams of water highest over the 
court-house cupola. The Phoenix is 
much the larger engine, and requires 
more hands, and threw the water in 
greater quantities and to a greater 
height than the other. This is how- 
ever when fully manned. The other is 
a capital engine. In the course of 
these trials they happened to cross 
each other's columns, and some water 
sprinkled — they then levelled at each 
other, and bang, bang went the water. 
After all hands at each engine were 
pretty well ducked, they abandoned 



this kind of fun — the Columbians rath- 
er coming off conquerors. 

The old "Humane" next made her 
appearance, and showed that although 
well stricken in years, she was still 
strong and vigorous; and then the jun- 
ior company came out with the old 
"Phoenix" now "Niagara" and threw 
torrents of water all about, to nearly, 
if not quite as great a distance as any 
of them." 



No political campaign of the olden 
time was complete without its cam- 
paign poetry and campaign songs, and 
they often had a greater influence in 
the gaining of votes, than the elo- 
quence of the stump speaker. 
FOR THE WHIG. 
[Feb. 1832] 

Mr. Editor — Some songs are some- 
times as serviceable as some sermons 
— if you think the following is of that 
class, you will please insert it among 
the squibs of the day. 

Song — Tune, "Down goes the Hick- 
ory, O!" 
Ken ye aught of Martin Van, 

Igo and ago — 
Where'll we find that cunning man, 

Iram coram dago. 

Has he returned frae Johnnie Bull, 

Igo and ago — 
"Hickory" wires again to pull? 

Iram coram dago. 

Or shall we find him at St. James, 

Igo and ago — 
Boldly urging Yankee claims; 

Iram coram dago. 

Did he represent the nation, 

Igo and ago — 
Or his party's degradation? 

Iram coram dago. 

Could the "greatest and the best" 

Igo and ago — 
Send a bird to foul his nest? 

Iram coram dago. 

If he did — we know of some, 

Igo and ago — 
Who think that bird is best at "hum" 

Iram coram dago. 

Martin must return in spring, 

Igo and ago — 
Then sweetly we shall hear him sing. 

Silver in a bag, O! 

Uncle Sam shall never crouch, 

Igo and ago — 
While he owns a rifle pouch; 

Iram coram dago. 

SMALL FINGERS. 



72 



"All men have an attachment to the 
place of their residence and to a mind 
possessed of ordaining philanthropy 
nothing affords more pleasure than 
the contemplation of the general pros- 
perity which surrounds him. 

We took a stroll through our Bor- 
ough a few days since and visited sev- 
eral of the industrious establishments 
which characterize it. We had not 
for a considerable time previous ta- 
ken such a peregrination and truly we 
were astonished at the changes which 
a short period had wrought. 

The number of new buildings erect- 
ed, the various branches of industry 
pursued; and the improvements in the 
modus operandi afforded us much 
pleasure. 

We were particularly struck with 
the foundry of Messrs. Barnet & Gang- 
wehr, where castings of every descrip- 
tion are executed with great neatness 
and upon a large scale — steam engines 
constructed, etc. etc. They have a 
new steam engine being constructed 
(as the phrase now goes) to drive their 
own works, and a large smithery for 
heavy work attached to it, and carried 
on under the same roof. 

A short time since we also visited 
the tannery of Mr. Aaron Snyder 
tnrough which we were conducted by 
the courteous and enterprising proprie- 
tor, who drives his works with an ex- 
cellent steam engine. This tannery as 
well as the two belonging to Messrs. 
John Barnet, and Peter Snyder, are 
carried on upon a large scale. 

Mr. Hinds has also a steam engine to 
drive his carding and spinning estab- 
lishment, and as soon as our list of 
subscribers increases so that we can 
no longer strike off the "Whig" on the 
ramage press, we shall call on Messrs. 
Barnet and Gangwehr and have a 
steam printing press constructed. 

A few years since a steam engine 
would have been a greater curiosity 
here than an elephant. 

Besides we have had established 
within a few years three coach making 
establishments by Messrs. Wilson P. 
Carman, Eben Owen, and Locey & 
Mason. We have also cabinet and 
chair making establishments by the 
dozen, with sundry other mechanical 
establishments, too tedious to men- 
tion. 

Our millers and storekeepers are 
not idle; our distillers (maugre all we 
temperance men can do) are distilling 
the deleterious spirit, yecleped whis- 
key in quantity sufficient to excite half 
a continent. 

All who are industrious and we take 
pleasure in recording that industry, as 



well as enterprise, distinguish most 
of our citizens are thriving. 

We should not omit that our hardy 
boatmen are kept fully employed in 
transporting our surplus products to 
market, and that the shores of the Del- 
aware as well as those of the basin on 
the Lehigh are lined with business and 
business men. 

After we had prepared the above re- 
marks for the Press, we were favored 
with a communication by an intelli- 
gent gentleman of this place headed 
"A sketch of Easton" In which a de- 
tailed account is given of things as 
they are in our immediate vicinity, 
which we are obliged from its great 
length to omit until next week." 
(Sketch appeared in XLIX — First 
Series. 



Republicans are not ungrateful. 

"Another Editor rewarded. — Samuel 
Innes, Editor of the Easton Argus was 
yesterday [May 7, 1832] promoted to 
the office of Corporal of the Sixth 
Company 97th Regiment Pennsylvania 
Militia, Commanded by Captain Sig- 
man. This appointment shows that 
the Captain has found out one of his 
best men. 



The parade. — Yesterday the Fifth 
and Sixth Companies of Militia pa- 
raded in this Borough; The first Com- 
manded by Captain James Ward, and 
the latter by Captain Abraham Sig- 
man. 



ATTENTION TROOP. 

The first Easton troop; will assem- 
ble for drill on Monday the 7th May 
[1832] next at 10 o'clock A. M. in the 
square in front of the Easton 
Hotel, provided with eleven rounds 
of blank, and two ball cart- 
ridges, for the purpose of firing for a 
one dollar. 

By Order of the Captain. 
A. PRIOR, O. S. 



The first Easton Troop made their 
appearance for the first time under 
Captain Hiram Yard. The troop al- 
though few in number made a good ap- 
pearance, and much improved in their 
exercise. In the afternoon they pro- 
ceeded to an out lot in the suburbs of 
the town and tried their skill at tar- 
get firing for a splendid medal manu- 
factured by Messrs. Voute & Miller, 
Jewelers of this place. The firing with 
few exceptions was very good, and the 
medal won by Mr. Abraham Coryell a 
private in the Company. The motto 
on the medal is 'Our Country Right or 
Wrong." " 



73 



First announcement of the Opening 
of Lafayette College. 

La Fayette College — The Summer 
term or session of this institution will 
commence tomorrow, [May 9th, 1832]. 

The location of the Institution, im- 
mediately across the river Lehigh 
from this place, on a fertile and pro- 
ductive farm — the combination of agri- 
cultural and manual labor, with the 
course of studies, thus giving to the 
students habits of industry, and ex- 
pertness in the use of tools and ordi- 
nary labor, and preserving their health 
by tnree hours of useful and laborious 
exercise per day, cannot fail to make 
it popular, if properly conducted. 

The Rev. Mr. Junkin, late of the Ger- 
mantown Manual Labor Acadamy, is 
the president of the Institution, and 
Dr. F. A. Ranch professor of German. 
The appointment of the other instruc- 
tors rests with the president of the 
College. From his character and tal- 
ents we feel satisfied that the various 
departments are and will continue to 
be well filled. 

It is already ascertained that there 
will be from 40 to 50 students to com- 
mence with, and as the merits of the 
institution become known and appreci- 
ated, we are sanguine in believing the 
number will be increased as fast as 
accommodations can be furnished for 
them. 

In answer to various enquiries as to 
terms, we learn they are as follows: 

For tuition, lodging and use of tools, 
$40 per annum. Boarding, $1.53 per 
week. Good testimonials of moral 
character is required, and $10 per quar- 
ter to be paid in advance. 

Yesterday [May 21, 1832] was a great 
day among the military. The first bat- 
talion of the 97th Regiment paraded in 
this Borough under the Command of 
Lieut. Col. Wagener. Capts. Weitzel's 
and Yard's troops of Cavalry and Capts. 
Wagener's and Woodring's Companies 
of Artillery constituted the volunteer 
force which paraded. They looked 
well and acquitted themselves hand- 
somely. But what are volunteers com- 
pared with the "Bulwark of our Liber- 
ties" — the well trained militia. These 
were the companies of Capts. Ward, 
Sigman and Seipel. 

Clad in coats of every color, some 
with black hats, some with white, some 
with long guns, some with short ones, 
some with shot guns, some with rifles, 
some with old muskets, some with pis- 
tols with a brush handle stuck in the 
muzzle, with divers other apologies for 
firearms, paraded about the streets, 
who, in despite of all attempts of their 
officers to give them the appearance of 



order and regularity, made most ele- 
gant worm fences, in dressing double 
and treble doors in wheeling, etc, etc. 
We mean no reflections on the oflacers 
— they did their duty. But men out of 
uniform will not feel like soldiers and 
seem little disposed to do anything 
else on such occasions, and save their 
dollar fine, and nave some sport. 

We think our militia musters should 
cease or else every citizen be compelled 
to appear in uniform, a cheap and ser- 
viceable one could be adopted for each 
description of troops and the uniform 
of each corps of the same kind of 
troops ought not to be departed from. 

At night the bloody 98th or "Bush- 
kill Regiment," under command of 
their veteran Colonel, paraded about 
the street and a transparency in lieu 
of a flag, much to the amusement of 
some, and the annoyance of others of 
our good citizens. 

We ought not to omit the parade of 
the boys who principally compose the 
"Niagara Fire Company." They made 
quite as good a figure with their wood- 
en guns as the militia, only their Cap- 
tain carried his sword in his leii, hand. 



TARIFF MEETING.— At a large and 
respectable meeting of the citizens of 
the County of Northampton in the Com- 
monwealth of Pennsylvania convened 
(in pursuance of public notice given in 
all the newspapers printed in the 
County) at the Court House in the 
Borough of Easton on the 9th day of 
June, 1832. 

Hopewell Hepburn, Esq., was chosen 
Chairman and Peter S. Michler Secre- 
tary. 

The object of the meeting having 
been stated in an address delivered by 
James M. Porter, Esq., the following 
resolutions were submitted to the con- 
sideration of the meeting and unani- 
mously adopted: 

Resolved, That we cannot doubt the 
constitutional power of Congress of 
the United States to impose duties or 
imposts as well for the purpose of rev- 
enue as for the purpose of protecting 
the production and manufactures of 
our Country. 

Resolved, That we believe that it is 
essential to the permanent independ- 
ence of our country to foster and pro- 
tect all products and manufacturers 
that constitute the necessaries and con- 
veniences of life. 

Resolved, That inasmuch as all other 
nations either prohibiting productions 
of our bread stuffs and manufacturers 
or suffer such introductions under dis- 
criminating duties so high as to pro- 
test their own citizens engaged in simi- 
lar pursuits a regard to our own inter- 



74 



est and character, and a desire to cre- 
ate markets at home for our agricul- 
tural products and lo give employment 
to the operative or laborers of our own 
country require that strong protective 
duties should be imposed on all articles 
the like of which are grown, produced 
or manufactured in the United States. 

Resolved, That we consider the pro- 
tection of all the manufacturers of our 
Country as a system in the whole cal- 
culated to confer a great and lasting 
beneht on the country and whilst our 
opponents are acting in an entire body 
in their opposition to us it behooves 
us to merge all sectional or partial feel- 
ings and by supporting the system as 
a whole prevent a defeat. The sure 
consequence of giving up any of the 
details. 

Resolved, That we view the reduc- 
tion of duties proposed in the bills sub- 
mitted to Congress by the Secretary of 
the Treasury and by a majority of the 
committee of Manufacturers in the 
House of Representatives as ruinous 
to the best interests of the country. 
If enacted, excessive importations will 
follow, the income of the government, 
the lessening of which is the pretext 
urged for diminution of duties, instead 
of being decreased will be increased 
and aiford additional pretexts for giv- 
ing a final blow to the manufacturers 
of this country. And under the reduc- 
tion proposed thousands of enterpris- 
ing citizens, who have invested their 
all in the business of manufacturing 
on the pligi^tCd faith of the govern- 
ment, will be utterly ruined, and hun- 
dreds of thousands of men, women and 
children constituting the laborers and 
operatives who are comfortably main- 
tained and supported thereby, will be 
thrown out of employment, and whilst 
we thus claim protection for our own 
manufacturers we cannot and do not 
object to the reduction or total aboli- 
tion of duties on all articles that will 
not conflict with the growth, product 
or manufacture of our country. 

Resolved, That the power of de- 
ciding on the constitutionality of all 
Legislative enactment belongs to the 
Judiciary of the United States, and all 
good citizens should give their aid and 
assistance both by precept and ex- 
ample to put down all other modes of 
interfering with such enactments, and 
that we view with abhorrence as bor- 
dering on treason all threats by indi- 
viduals or individual staR authorities 
to resist the authority of the Union. 

Resolved, Inat we value the Union 
as the great safe guard of the inde- 
pendence of our country, and cannot 
believe that any men or set of men to 
be actuated by love of country, who 



threaten to attempt its dissolution, and 
whilst we would listen respectfully to, 
and properly estimate all temperate 
and legitimate complaints or evils al- 
leged to be endured, we cannot and 
will not for a moment tolerate or coun- 
tenance complaints unsupported by 
fair reason and argument, and accom- 
panied by threats to oppose by force 
the will of the majority constitution- 
ally expressed. 

Resolved, That a due regard to the 
interests of this, a grain growing and 
a manufacturing district of Country, 
requires an expression of our unquali- 
fied approbation of the American Sys- 
tem, as we believe by the proposed 
modification of the tariff, the annual 
receipts in this vicinity would be di- 
minished upwards of one hundred 
thousand dollars per annum in the 
single article of bread stuffs, for which 
the manufactories of the country af- 
ford the only sure and steady market. 

Resolved, That James M. Porter, 
Owen Rice, Joseph Dawes, Abraham 
Beidelman, John M. Micksch, Samuel 
Drinkhouse and William L. Sebring be 
a Commiitee to forward to our Repre- 
sentative and Senators in the Congress 
of the United States a copy of the pro- 
ceedings of this meeting, with a re- 
quest that the same may be presented 
to both Houses of Congress. 

Resolved, That the proceedings of 
this meeting be published in all the 
newspapers of tue County, and that 
other Editors friendly to the cause be 
requested to publish the same. 

Resolved, That Col. Porter be re- 
quested to furnish for publication a 
copy of the address delivered by him 
at this meeting. 

H. HEPBURN, Chairman, 

P. S. Michler, Secretary. 

Mr. Porter in answer to the above 
resolution stated that his address be- 
ing entirely extemporaneous and with- 
out any previous preparation, it was 
therefore impossible to prepare a 
copy of it. The substance of it as far 
as remembered was published in the 
Whig of June 11, 1832. 
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLICAN ANTI- 
MASONIC COUNTY MEETING. 

Notice is hereby given that a general 
County meeting will be held on the 
11th of June [1832] next at the house 
of Christian Hagenbuch, Inn Keeper, 
Allen Township, Northampton County. 
All our respective fellow citizens op- 
posed to secret societies, canal exten- 
sions. State debts. State taxes, absurd 
school laws and the re-election of Geo. 
Wolf for Governor of Pennsylvania are 
friendly invited to attend. 

By order of the Anti-Masonic County 
Committee. 



75 



Space does not permit a review of 
the anti-masonic agitation wliich began 
in 1826 and which soon assumed large 
proportions and became a strong politi- 
cal issue in the history of the country. 

THE STATE FBNCIBLES. 

The beautiful and . well-disciplined 
company of infantry left their homes in 
Philadelphia to pay a visit to the City 
of Boston about two weeks since. They 
passed through New York and the in- 
termediate cities and towns in going 
and returning, and were everywhere 
received with great respect and atten- 
tion. Tney visited all the places in the 
vicinity of Boston rendered of interest 
in the days of the Revolution. On their 
return home they took Baston in their 
route and arrived here on Saturday 
evening and took up their quarters at 
the Military Han, Spring Garden, kept 
by Mr. Gerhard, where, we understand, 
they were the guests of our "Easton 
Troop" and the "Washington Grays." 

On Monday they paraded in the 
Square, and their exact military dis- 
cipline evinced the care they had be- 
stowed on drilling, and was alike cred- 
ible to their commander and them- 
selves. After their parade they par- 
took at the public dinner given at the 
Military Hall, where a number of 
patriotic and complimentary toasts 
were given and exchanged. 

Whilst here, by invitation, the com- 
pany partook of entertainments at the 
private houses of Capt. lohe and Mr. 
A. Patier, and the afternoon before 
their arrival at Major C. J. Ihrie's, in 
Greenwich, N. J. 

The corps were attended by F. John- 
ston's colored band of excellent musi- 
cians, who yesterday afternoon favored 
our citizens with a concert in the court 
house. Today the Company left this 
place for nome, in boats, by the river. 

The utmost good feeling had sub- 
sisted during their sojourn and these 
interchanges of visits and hospitalities 
are productive of much good feeling. 
[June 26, 1832.] 

Announcement oi the First Address 
before the literary societies of La Fay- 
ette College: 

NOTICE. 

An Oration will be delivered before 
the Literary Societies of La Fayette 
College on the 4th of July next [1832] 
at lYz o'cl'k, in the Presbyterian Church 
by Col. J. M. Porter, President of the 
board of trustees of the college. The 
literary gentlemen of the place and 
citizens generally are respectfully in- 
vited to attend. 

A local newspaper thus refers to the 
address: 



"in the evening the Washington's 
and Franklin Literary Society attached 
to Latayette College with the Board of 
Trustees and the clergy of the place 
assembled at the College in procession 
and proceeded to the Presbyterian 
Church, where the Declaration of In- 
dependence was read in a very hand- 
some manner by A. Prior, Esq., and an 
address delivered by J. M. Porter, Esq. 
We had not the pleasure to hear it, 
having been absent, but we learn from 
those who did that it was one of the 
gentleman's best efforts. It is to be 
published." 

"Tne exercises at the church were 
commenced by prayer from the Rev. 
Mr. Gray, concluded by prayer from 
the Rev. Mr. Beasly, and benedictiod 
by President Junkin. During the in- 
tervals of service the choir under the 
direction of Mr. Nott performed some 
elegant pieces of music." 

THE EXCURSION. 

The Citizen Volunteers of this place, 
commanded by Capt. V. Wagener, of 
which Company .-.e Editor of this paper 
is a member, in pursuance of previous 
arrangement, fired a federal salute on 
the morning of the 4th instant [July, 
1832] from Mount Jefferson. They 
then took up the line of march to South 
Easton and embarked on board the 
packet boat Paul Jones, bound for 
Allentown in Lehigh County. 

At about 7 o clock we arrived at 
Freemansburg, where we debarked and 
partook of refreshments kindly fur- 
nished by Jacob Freeman, Esq.; after 
doing great justice to the excellent 
fare of our host we resumed the line of 
progress, and on our way were compli- 
mented from Scheimersville by a salute 
of artillery; passed Bethlehem, where 
we received an invitation to partake of 
a collation on our return. On arriving 
near Allentown we found the escort, 
consisting of Capt. Ruhe's elegant com- 
pany of Lehigh Artillerists, about 70 
strong, with their excellent band, ready 
to receive us. Having formed and 
passed in review, we proceeded across 
the bridge, and whilst crossing it the 
salute of the Lehigh Rangers, with a 
field piece belonging to the Artillerists, 
was given from the banks of Jordan. 

We entered the town amidst clouds 
of dust, ringing of bells and smiles of 
the girls, the huzzas of the boys and all 
the usual accompanyments of military 
visits. After showing ourselves "all 
over town," we were dismissed to our 
quarters at about M. 

About 2 o'clock p. m. by an invita- 
tion from the Lehigh Artillery, we as- 
sembled at the Court House to cele- 
brate the anniversary of Freedom. The 



76 



Declaration of Independence was read 
by Major Samuel A. Bridges, of Allen- 
town, in an impressive manner. Capt. 
John F. Ruhe was appointed President, 
supported by Lieut. Matthew Selfridge 
as Vice President. (The toasts given 
on the occasion will be found in an- 
other column.) On reading the toast 
given by Orderly Troxell of the "Blues" 
an olu soldier under Capt. Nunges- 
ser of this place, attached to the Light 
Infantry Kegiment at Marcus Hook in 
1814, to which Capt. Ruhe was also at- 
tached, Major Bridges on behalf of the 
Lehigh Artillerists gave us an excel- 
lent and very appropriate address. 

"We got through this tour of duty 
at about 5 o'clock P. M. when Capt. 
Ruhe detailed us for an evening excur- 
sion to Wormans Springs. There we 
were again the guests of our friends 
the Lehigh Artillerists, and fared 
sumptuously. We returned to Allen- 
town about dusk. In the evening we 
attended by invuation from the Man- 
ager a Cotillion party where the beauty, 
taste and fashion ox the place was as- 
sembled; after spending some time we 
dispersed in good season and returned 
to our quarters. 

Rising at revelle on the morning of 
the 5th we partook of an excellent en- 
tertainment by invitation at the house 
of Capt. Ruhe which was in the usual 
style with which that kind gentlemanly 
and patriotic officer treats his friends, 
after which we took up the line of 
march for home, escorted by the same 
corps, and band who received us at the 
canal the day preceding. 

We embarked at the canal about 9 
o'clock and proceeded to Bethlehem 
near which place an escort met us and 
accompanied us through the principle 
streets of the town and returned with 
us to a large grove near the Lehigh, at 
which place we partook of an excellent 
dinner, as guests of our Bethlehem 
friends. After which we embarked on 
board the Paul Jones, but could not 
pass our good friend Freeman without 
halting. There we watered a little and 
proceeded home by the canal reaching 
South Easton about 6 o'cloc... 

Excepting the heat and dust, the ex- 
cursion was a pleasant one. The hos- 
pitality and kindness shown us at every 
point and place were really gratifying, 
the entertainments good and gotten up 
in handsome style and excellent taste. 
No accident occurred to mar the pleas- 
ure of the trip. 

In addition to the campaign of the 
"Blues" (a detailed account of which 
is given today) we learn that the Wash- 
ington Grays paraded at about 8 o'clock 
and fired several salutes, and feu-de- 



jois and were dismissed about 11 
o'clock. 

The friends of Jackson, Wilkins and 
Wolf had the only dining party in town. 
The Governor was with them by invi- 
tation. 

In 1832 the United States was vis- 
ited by an epidemic of Cholera, and the 
death rate in New York and Philadel- 
phia was quite considerable. 

The Borough Council of Easton 
passed the following resolution, but 
notwithstanding all sanitary meas- 
ures, a number of cases appeared in 
Easton, and the deaths were propor- 
tionately large. 

Dr. Samuel D. Gross, under appoint- 
ment of Council in July 1832, went to 
New York with a view of personal ob- 
servation on the subject of cholera. 
His lengthy report on the subject was 
printed, and shows the care and skill 
of the then young physician who was 
destined to become one of the world's 
greatest surgeons. 

"NOTICE. 

At a meeting of the town council on 
the 9th instant, [July 1832] the follow- 
ing resolution was passed and ordered 
to be published: 

Resolved: That the town be divided 
into four wards, to be called, 
North — North-east, South, South- 
east. That Northampton and Pomfret 
Streets shall be the dividing lines; and 
that three persons be appointed in 
each of said wards in conjunction with 
two members of Council who are to 
constitute a Health Committee, whose 
duty it shall be to report all nuisances 
— to the Council, and all such other 
matters having a tendency or which 
will be conductive to promote the 
health and cleanliness of the town. 
Whereupon the following persons were 
appointed: 

North west Ward. North east Ward. 
Joseph Burke, John Green, 

Peter Snyder, John Miller, 

H. Hepburn, Alexander Brown, 

John Barnet, Sam. Drinknouse, 

I. C. Wyckoff. Benjamin Hinds. 

South west Ward. South east Ward. 
Jacob Wagner, John Stewart, 
William Shouse, Samuel Schick, 
William L. SebringEnoch S. Clark, 
William Ricker, Samuel Yohe, 
P. S. Michler. Abraham Miller, 

By Order of Council. 
P. S. MICHLER, President. 

C. Kitchen, Town Clerk. 

Easton, July 10th, 1832. 

(The Wig— July 17, 1832.)" 

The local newspapers gave its read- 
ers cautionary advice, one of which 
concluded with: 

"Be temperate — be clean — be calm — 
be patient — be firm and resigned and 



77 



leave the events to Heaven. 

"Hush guilty murmurs — banish dark 
distrust — Think there's a Power above, 
nor doubt that Power is just." 

The local poets immortalized them- 
selves in the following lines: 
THE PESTILENCE. 
He comes, behold on every blast. 
The spirit of the pestilence rides; 
Where're he blows his dreadful breath 
Death follows fast with rapid strides. 

From Asia's burning clime he comes, 
From Africa's scorching sand, 
O'er Europe's troubled face he roams, 
With fell destroying hand. 

See him o'er the foam topped wave. 
Drive on his flying steed; 
With direful speed the foam he braves. 
To work his dreadful deeds. 

Oh! Weep ye mortals, for behold, 
The destroying angel flys 
O'er all our land on young and old, 
He looks and low! They die. 

With vengeful hands he urges on. 
See all before him fly — 
He sweeps his victim to the tomb, 
Unpitied and unknown, may die. 

Where now is all the boasted power, 
Of we mortals here below. 
For in one fleeting passing hour, 
To the grave see hundreds go. 

"R." 
(The Whig— July 17, 1832.) 
CHOLERA. 
From Montreal's low island — 
And Quebec's lofty plain — 
From Niagara's high-land. 
There comes a voice of pain. 

The pestilence is swaying. 
Its iron sceptre wide 
And thousands it is laying, 
In death's o'erwhelming tide. 

From Albany's fair bower, 
And York's infected breath, 
There comes each passing hour, 
The solemn dirge of death. 

The wrath of Heaven is sweeping, 
'Long Hudson's beautiful shore — 
And tender hearts are weeping, 
For friends that are no more. 

See! tears in torents streaming. 
And sighs like tempests fly 
While vengeance still is gleaming 
And thousand victims die. 

Oh, happy they who sheltered 
From all these storms of wo, 
Have, long ere this, been gathered. 
Where tempests never blow. 
Where pain and death are ended. 



And pestilence is o'er 

Where joy and bliss are blended, 

With life forever more. 

MEMORIA. 
Easton, July 28, 1832, 



"FIRST FALL OPENING OF LA FA- 
YETTE COLLEGE 1832. 

The Trustees of La Fayette College 
have determined on opening the class- 
es regularly for the college course, 
with the beginning of the winter ses- 
sion. The institution has now sixty- 
four pupils in it, and would have up- 
wards of an hundred, had they build- 
ings suflicient for their accommoda- 
tion. 

The prospects of success have in- 
duced the trustees to open a subscrip- 
tion in aid of the funds to purchase a 
permanent location, which in the 
course of a few days will be submitted 
to their fellow-citizens, and as intro- 
ductory thereto the Rev. Mr. Junkin, 
president of the institution, will, on 
Friday evening next, [August 31, 1832] 
at early candle light in the Lutheran 
Church, deliver an address explanatory 
of the course of instruction and em- 
ployment, and other matters of interest 
connected with the college. 

We trust that our citizens will en- 
deavor to attend. The address is in- 
tended merely to make known the nec- 
essary tacts and information to the 
citizens preparatory to active oper- 
ations in behalf of the college. It is 
not intended to take up any collection 
on that evening." 

The meeting in question was report- 
ed as follows: 

"On Friday evening last [August 31, 
1832] the Rev. Mr. Junkin delivered, 
in the Lutheran Church, a discourse 
on the subject of education, accompan- 
ied by an explanation of the course of 
studies and labor practised at the La 
Fayette College, located at this place. 

Those who heard the address speak 
of it as one of great ability, and show- 
ed the force and acumen of the mind 
of its author — the explanation of the 
course of exercises at the college, 
which, as the public are aware, is con- 
ducted on the plan of manual labor, 
was quite satisfactory. There is no 
doubt that with the proper buildings 
and the necessary quantity of land 
furnished to the institution, the ex- 
pense of education may be reduced by 
the combination of manual labor to 
50 or $60. per month, boarding and 
lodging included. 

This would be a great desideratum, 
and in such a result our town, nay the 
whole country, is deeply interested. 

Subscriptions in aid of the funds of 
the college, with the view to purchase 
of a site and erecting buildings, are 



78 



about to be circluated. 

The present faculty of the college 
are: Rev. Geo. Junkin, President; 
Charles F. McCay, professor of mathe- 
matics, philosophy &c; Dr. S. D. Gross, 
mineralogy and chemistry; J. S. Coon, 
languages. The German professorship 
is vacant." 

A CARD. 

THOMAS J. NATT, portrait andmin- 
ature painter, respectfully informs his 
friends and the public, generally, that 
he has taken rooms at Mr. Deringer's 
in Fermor Street adjoining the library 
and will be happy to receive profes- 
sional engagements. 

Specimens of style, may be seen at 
the rooms. 

Ea&ton, August, 28, 1832. 

[August 28, 1832.] 

NATIONAL REPUBLICAN COUNTY 

MEETING. 
The Citizens of Northampton County, 
opposed to the re-election of General 
Jackson, friendly to the American 
System, and to the rechartering of the 
Bank of the United States, and to the 
protection and general advancement 
of the great interests of Pennsylvania, 
are requested to assemble in County 
meeting at the house of James Ely, 
Ross-common, on Saturday next, the 
13th instant, at 12 o'clock at noon, to 
nominate a county and district ticket. 
P. S. Michler, John Heckman, 

Johnm Micksch, William Dietrich, 
Evan Rees, 

Committee. 



Thomas Cawley, 
John Stewart, 
Sept. 11, 1832. 



Easton was honored in 1832 in hav- 
ing a candidate for presidential elector 
on the National Republican Clay- 
Sergeant ticket — the late Philip H. 
Mattes — but only a few days before 
the election the National Republican 
ticket was withdrawn and the whole 
force of the opposition united on the 
Anti-Jackson ticket nominated at the 
Anti-Masonic convention. 

Another Eastonian, however, Samuel 
Leidy, was named as elector, but An- 
drew Jackson was the favorile, and 
Northampton county gave him 1,69-t 
majority — a majority which for many 
years grew at the mere mention of 
Jackson's name. 

The result of the State election held 
in October, 1832, for the county of 
Northampton was as follows: 

Governor. Easton Dis. Total 

George Wolf 800 3,414 

Joseph Ritner 417 1,822 

Oorifirrpss 

David D. Wagener 732 2,770 

Peter Ihrie, Jr 434 2,023 



Owen Rice 47 352 

Assembly. 

George Kelchner 697 3,460 

Philip Lynn 669 3,344 

M. Robert Buttz 622 2,721 

John Westbrook 668 3,948 

Peter Steckel 400 1,589 

Moses Killam 440 1,759 

Evan Rees 477 1,971 

Benjamin F. Arndt 458 1,526 

William Deitrich 43 368 

Commissioner. 

Barnabas Davis Ill 787 

Peter Nungesser 197 1,115 

Joseph Shnyder 129 677 

John Worman 347 970 

Clark Lowery 52 280 

Jacob Deimer 71 109 

William Ricker 227 680 

Sheriff. 

Daniel Raub 497 1,184 

John Ziegenfuss 216 1,132 

Peter Snyder 79 887 

Peter Young 426 877 

Jacob Weiss 80 882 

Jacob Freeman 75 717 

Samuel Taylor 178 804 

John Lewis 20 384 

Adam Daniel 75 820 

Abraham Sigman 153 198 

Hiram Yard 146 314 

Isaac Salkeld 32 243 

Joseph Weaver 61 245 

Coroner. 

Jacob Cope 549 2,771 

Frederic Germantown. . . .550 2,608 

John King 274 1,040 

Adam Schug 275 1,012 

Abraham Miller 42 412 

Joseph Hagenbuch 40 333 

Auditor. 

William Rice 488 2,753 

John Jacoby 272 1,253 

Stogdell Stokes 35 423 

"A gentleman, who has recently trav- 
eled much in our public stages, informs 
us that in no line of stages which he 
knows has greater care and attention 
been bestowed by the proprietors in 
the procuring of elegant and comfort- 
able coaches, excellent horses and 
careful and attentive drivers than in 
the loute from Philadelphia to this 
place. For ourselves, not having had 
so good an opportunity of judging, be- 
ing tied down at home to our concerns, 
we can only say that we can well credit 
this statement. The two coaches at 
the end of the line, the "North Ameri- 
ca," owned by Mr. Samuel Shouse, and 
the "Hying Dutchman," owned by Mr. 
William Shouse, are as fine coaches as 
any line can afford. The latter coach 
we think decidedly the finest and most 
comfortable traveling vehicle we have 
ever seen. Accommodating and enter- 
prising stage proprietors deserve, and 



79 



we hope will receive, encouragement 
from the public." 

[Oct. 30, 1832.] 
"On Sunday last the German Reformed 
Church at this Borough was conse- 
crated to the worship of Almighty God. 

The building was originally founded 
in the year 1774 [1776] jointly by the 
Reformed and Lutheran congregations. 
About a year since the Lutheran con- 
gregation erected a new church for them- 
selves and sold their half of the old 
church property to the Reformed con- 
gregation. 

The church has since been essential- 
ly altered — all the inside taken out, a 
new tower erected at the north end, in 
which the stairs to the gallery ascend, 
and in which the vestry room is placed. 
On this turret it is contemplated to 
erect a spire for the bell. 

The pulpit is removed to the south- 
ern end of the building, the entrance 
being at the northern end and the gallery 
extending the eastern and western 
sides, and with the organ occupies a 
northern end also. 

The whole interior has been finished 
in the most tasteful and elegant man- 
ner. The pulpit is mahogany with 
crimson moreen hangings in the rear 
and white marble caps in front. 

The services of consecration com- 
menced in the morning of Sunday by 
music and exercises in the German lan- 
guage. The Rev. T. L. Hoffenditz de- 
livered a most able and eloquent dis- 
course in German. In the after noon 
the services were continued in Ger- 
man; the discourse by the Rev. Mr. 
Hess, who was able and impressive. 
On Sunday evening the Rev. Mr. Wolf 
delivered an English discourse which 
for power, and strength of argument 
we have seldom, if ever, heard ex- 
celled. 

Yesterday morning the exercises 
were continued in German. Discourse 
by the Rev. Mr. Schneck who in a dis- 
course displayed the strength of a 
strong and vigorous mind — gave uni- 
versal satisfaction. In the afternoon 
Mr. Wolf again addressed to auditory 
in English with usual power and 
ability. 

Last evening the services were con- 
tinued in the English language — ser- 
man by the Rev. Mr. Gray of this place. 
We have often heard this gentleman 
with pleasure but never heard him 
more glowing, eloquent or impressive 
than on this occasion. 

The church was crowded during the 
whole time — On Sunday to overflow- 
ing; and the whole scene was sublime, 
imposing and impressive. 

Mr. Wolf, we understand, will preach 
again this evening. 

[Nov. 27, 1832.]" 



HISTORICAL SKETCHESRELATING 
TO EASTON AND NORTHAMP- 
TON COUNTY, PA., AND 
THEIR INHABITANTS. 



Miscellaneous Local Happenings in 
1833-'34. 



NEW SERIES— NO. 6. 



Contributed by Ethan A. Weaver. 



Frequent reference has been made 
in these sketches to the patriotism of 
Northampton county, and the offer of 
services by her sons in times of threat- 
ened outbreaks. The records testify to 
the part taken by Northampton county 
in the Indian Wars, American Revolu- 
tion, Whiskey Insurrection, Fries' Re- 
Dellion, War of 1812, Mexican War, the 
Southern Rebellion, Spanish-American 
War and Philippine Insurrection. 

In 1807, when a war with England 
was imminent, Capt. Abraham Horn's 
"Easton Light Infantry" promptly of- 
fered its services to President Jeffer- 
son, who acknowledged the tender by 
a letter addressed to the officers of the 
company. 

When, in 1832, the nullification act in 
South Carolina threatened trouble, the 
local military company known as the 
"Citizens' Volunteers," at a meeting 
held at the house of John Burt on De- 
cember 24th, unanimously passed the 
following preamble and resolution, of- 
fered by Lieut. Shultz: 

"Whereas, A number of volunteers 
of this State have lately offered their 
services to the President of the United 
States for the purpose of assisting in 
quelling the disturbances which may 
occur in South Carolina, and 

"Whereas, This meeting deems such 
offers on the part of the volunteers of 
this State not only premature and use- 
less, but calculated rather to rouse ill- 
feeling in our brethren of a sister State 
than to subdue the unfortunate excite- 
ment which already exists; and 

"Whereas, We are not anxious to 
shed blood of Americans and trust the 
day is far distant when we shall be 
called upon to use our bayonets for 
that purpose; therefore, be it 

"Resolved, Inat the Citizens' Volun- 
teers deem it unnecessary to offer their 
service at this time, but if the present 
unhappy difficulties should eventually 
require a military force to preserve 
the Union, they trust tney will be found 
ready, and will not disgrace that 'Star- 
Spangled Banner' in war under whose 
folds they have so long marched in 
peace." 



Possibly the first reference to a paid 
fire department (?) in Easton is that 



80 



contained in the following communica- 
tion of January 8, 1833: 

"To the Town Council of the Bor- 
ough of Easton: 

"Mr. Editor: I would, through the 
columns of your respectable journal, 
call the attention of our Town Council 
to the Fire Companies of our borough, 
whose services so long voluntarily ren- 
dered to the citizens of Easton, I think, 
deserve an annual compensation from 
the borough. The companies are, for 
the most part, composed of young men, 
who not only cheerfully devote their 
time and labour for the benefit of their 
fellow citizens, but also risk their health 
and lives in preserving their neighbors' 
property from destruction, for let the 
cry of fire be sounded either in the 
morning, or at noon, or even in the 
dead hour of night, they are always 
willing to go and cheerfully perform 
their hard and unrecompensed labour. 
Witness, for instance, the last fire — 
the burning of the Messrs. Herster's 
Mill. At the dead hour of midnight 
the alarm of fire was given in our 
streets. Our firemen in a few minutes 
were on the alert, and in about one 
hour succeeded in dragging their en- 
gines for better than a mile through 
roads almost impassable, and after two 
or three hours' hard work at the fire 
they had the satisfaction of dragging 
their apparatus home again through 
the mud, requited only by the thanks 
of their fellow citizens. I would ask 
how our Council can think ot the loss 
of the natural rest of man, the risk of 
health, and in many cases even of life, 
the loss of time and labor, on the part 
of our firemen, can or ought in any 
shape whatever go unrewarded. Let 
them appropriate to each of the fire 
companies forty or fifty dollars annual- 
ly, to be applied by tnem for the use 
of the company in any way they think 
fit. When young men thus voluntarily 
offer their services as our firemen do, 
whether cold or warm, rain or shine, 
night or day, to preserve property from 
flames I think they ought in justice to 
be rewarded, and 1 hope our woi'thy 
Town Council will think the same and 
act accordingly. A CITIZEN." 



to send three such children to the 
school for one year. It is also proposed 
to receive such children at two dollars 
each, per quarter, payable at the close 
of the quarter. Applications may be 
made to Mrs. Fickardt or Mrs. James 
Wilson. 

Easton, Jan. 29, 1833." 



AN EARL/ KINDERGARTEN. 

"An Infant School will be opened in 
the Borough of Easton for the instruc- 
tion of children between the ages of 2 
and 7 years, as soon as sufficient en- 
couragement is given to authorize the 
requisite arrangements. In order to 
ascertain what degree of encourage- 
ment may be expected, it is proposed 
that the sum of fifteen dollars, paid in 
advance, shall entitle any individual 



A case was once tried in your court 
the subject matter of controversy in 
which was whether the defendants were 
liable for the value of certain clover 
seed in the chaff taken by the plaintiff 
to their clover mill, and which they 
had not cleaned, alleging that it was 
brought in so bad a state that it could 
not be cleaned. Three counsel were 
concerned in it, and the amount claimed 
was about $80. While the cause was 
progressing one of your gentlemen 
"learned in the law," for which the 
county was famous, but who was not 
concerned in the case, sat down and 
wrote the following, Jeu-d'-esprit,which 
occasioned no little merriment: 

"In such a cause three lawyers fee'd 
May well make people laugh; 

The lawyers take the clover seed, 
The clients take the chaff." 

Some gentlemen at a dinner table in 
your place one day were talking about 
a lady who was supposed to have a 
fancy for a gentleman of the legal pro- 
fession. One observed that perhaps 
she only wanted "power of attorney." 
"No," said a pine swamper sitting by, 
"she only wants a 'domestic attach- 
ment.' " 

The above are tales of your bar as 
they were told seventy years ago. 

The following bit of information is 
of local historic interest: 

"Native Talent. — We were much 
pleased a day or two since in examin- 
ing the impression of a seal manufac- 
tured by William Wagener, of York, 
Pa., for the 'Horse Insurance Com- 
pany' of this county. Its device is two 
riders in pursuit of a horse thief. The 
words, 'Stop Thief,' are distinctly en- 
graved above and 'Incorporated 1832' 
below the device, the whole surrounded 
by the name of the company. We 
have had an opportunity heretofore of 
examining other specimens of this ar- 
tist's skill, among them the seal of the 
Borough of Easton, the seal of the 
Northampton Fire Insurance Com- 
pany, the seal of the Easton Beneficial 
Society and the seal of LaFayette Col- 
lege, all executed by the same artist, 
and all remarkably well done. The 
college seal gives an excellent and 
splendid likeness of the venerable La 
Fayette. We learn that Mr. Wagener 
is a native of Pennsylvania, and, like 



81 



Rittenhouse, descended from German 
ancestry, and is literally self-taught. 
His manner of seal engraving and cut- 
ting is remarkably neat and chaste, 
and shows that, however taught, he is 
a proficient in his business." 

(Feb. 12, 1833.) 



WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY CELE- 
BRATION, 1833. 

"At a meeting of the Williams Town- 
ship Artillery Company, held on the 
evening of the 27th of January [1833], 
it was unanimously 

"Resolved, That the Easton Citizen 
Volunteers be invited to meet the Wil- 
liams Township Artillery Company on 
the 22d of February at the house of 
Eliza Morgan, in said township, for the 
purpose of celebrating the Birthday of 
our beloved Washington. 

"P. N. WOODRING, Chairman. 

"H. B. HINELINB, Secretary." 

The day was celebrated, in accord- 
ance with the above notice, at the 
house of Widow Morgan, in Williams 
township ["Mammy Morgan's Hill"], 
by the Easton "Citizens' Volunteers," 
Lieut. Shultz, and "Williams Township 
Artillerists," Capt. Woodring. After 
parading in the field and performing 
some evolutions, both companies sat 
down to an excellent repast, prepared 
for the occasion. After the cloth was 
removed Lieut. Shultz was appointed 
President and Lieut. Hineline Vice 
President, when the following toasts 
were drank, accompanied by firing 
from the field piece: 

The Day We Celebrate — the day 
which gave birth to the immortal 
Washington. May we ever remember 
it as becomes Americans. 6 cheers. 

The President of the United States. 
With Jackson at the head we will steer 
clear of disunion. 6 cheers. 

The Governor of Pennsylvania — the 
friend of all the interests of his native 
State, and has more than once evinced 
his friendship for Volunteers. 

6 cheers. 

The Memory of Washington. 
"He was a man, take him all in all. 
We shall not look upon his like again." 
Drank in silence. 

The heroes of the Revolution. May 
their example be ever held in remem- 
brance. 6 cheers. 

The Memory of Charles Carroll of 
Carrollton. He nas left us to join in 
heaven that glorious band of patriots 
who, with him, pledged "their lives, 
their fortunes and their sacred honors" 
for our freedom. Drank in silence. 

The Union. May the States ever be 
united in aifection, as they are in in- 
terests. 6 cheers. 



The Militia Colonel Petriken. May 
the volunteers in his part of the coun- 
try be strong enough to give him liber- 
ty to stay at home next session. 

9 cheers. 

Internal Improvements. May we 
live to see the day that it may be ex- 
tended throughout the State. 

6 cheers. 

Our Country — A lasting peace of an 
honorable war. 3 cheers. 

The Anaerican Fair. Beauty and 
virtue are their chief characteristics. 
21 cheers. 
VOLUNTEERS. 

By Capt. Woodring. May the Wil- 
liams Township Artillery company, 
never want spirit and resolution to 
protect our independence, against the 
powerful attacks of unbridled ambi- 
tion. 

By Lieut. Hineline. May the union 
which has this day been formed be- 
tween the Easton Citizen Volunteers 
and the Williams township Artillery be 
as lasting as the existence of the said 
companies. 

By Lieut. Shultz. The Williams 
township Artillerists. Their kind and 
hospital reception of the Citizens Vol- 
unteers this day, shall never be for- 
gotton. 

By Quartermaster Butz. The Wil- 
liams township Artillerists. Their gen- 
tlemanly conduct and soldier like ap- 
pearance speaks volumes in their 
favor. 

By Lieut. Brotzman. May the Union 
of the states and the freedom of elec- 
tions be preserved, the trial by jury 
maintained, and the liberty of the 
press secured to the latest posterity. 

By Charles Grotz. The memory of 
Benjamin Franklin, may it never be 
forgotten. 

By Conrad Bowes. Let our motto 
be "God & our Country" and Satan 
with his allied powers shall never pre- 
vail against us. 

By John Switzer. The tree of Lib- 
erty. May its roots go down to the 
earth's centre, its summit reach the 
skies, and its spreading branches shade 
creation. 

By P. A. Woodring. The surviving 
heroes of the revolution. Though few 
remain with us, let us not forget they 
are the last of a noble race, and do 
becoming honors to their gray hairs. 

By John Osterstock. Decatur's sen- 
timent. "Our country right or wrong." 

By Samuel Woodring. Lafayette 
the friend of Washington the cham- 
pion of liberty in America and Europe. 

By M. Meichel. Here's to the Wil- 
liams township Artillerists, for the 
preservation and establishment of the 
rights and liberties of our country. 



82 



By Peter Woodring. The 22nd of 
February 1732. The day which gave 
birth to our beloved Washington, the 
father and protector of our country, 
and founder of peace, may it never be 
forgotten. Each aged sire shall teach 
his infant son to lisp the name of 
Washington. 

By Benjamin Walter. May the in- 
habitants of these United States, our 
dearly beloved country living under a 
constitution framed by patriotic free- 
men, never lose sight of their true in- 
terests and superior work. 

By Isaac B. Richard. My country- 
men and fellow soldiers, let this re- 
mind you that on your future con- 
duct, depends your enjoyment of peace 
and liberty. 

By Peter Hartzell. Pennsylvania, 
the land of the free and the friend of 
the brave — she will always remain 
true to virtue, liberty and independ- 
ence. 

By one of the company. May we 
ever love sound learning, justice and 
temperance. 

By one of the company. May the 
scale of our reason not mount us too 
high in prosperity, nor sink us too 
low with the adverse weight of fortune. 

By Samuel Horn. Our Hostess. Her 
appearance indicates the plenty which 
prevails in Williams township. 

DURHAM BOATS. 

"The river is in fine boating order. 
This morning [March 26, 1833] six 
boats returned by the Delaware river 
from Philadelphia. From the height of 
the water, there being a bank fresh last 
week, the boatman had to "pull brush" 
a good deal in returning. But, boat- 
men like, they no sooner got home but 
they were reloading for another trip. 
About thirty Durham boats will have 
made three trips each before the canal 
is usea this spring. Success to the 
good old Durham boats — they are not 
yet thrown on the shelf. 

"The Delaware Canal will be fit for 
use next week. The supervisor and 
hands are actively engaged in reducing 
the inequalities in the bottom." 

A UNION SUNDAY SCnOOL MEET- 
ING. 

"We know not when we observed a 
more interesting scene than that pre- 
sented by the Sunday school celebra- 
tion on Sabuath last, shortly before 2 
o'clock in the afternoon, which was the 
time appointed for meeting, we re- 
paired to the German Reformed Church 
and found it even then crowded, and by 
the time the scholars and their teach- 
ers had arrived and filled the seats as- 



signed to them it was almost a jam. 
The seats filled to overflowing and the 
sides filled with benches, and those 
benches with people. 

"It is supposed there were from 700 
to 800 scholars and an equal number 
of adults present. The exercises com- 
menced with prayer by the Rev. B. C. 
Wolf, of the German Reformed Church. 
A hymn was then sung alternately by 
the children and the congregation. We 
can scarcely describe our feelings of 
the effect produced by listening to so 
large a number of infant voices chant- 
ing the praises of redeeming love. 
Their sweet little voices swelled with 
the u-ieme and seemed to feel its sub- 
limity. To this succeeded the exami- 
nation of the schools by their respec- 
tive superintendents. School No. 1 by 
J. M. Howell, No. 2 oy B. S. Shultz, No. 
3 by D. B. Wagner, No. 4 by C. Wor- 
rell, No. 5 by C. W. Townsend and Nos. 
6 and < by Daniel Gaston. 

"The following is the location of the 
schools: 

"No. 1, the school of the First Pres- 
byterian Church, Easton. 

"2, Trinity (Episcopal) Church, Eas- 
ton. 

"3, Mehodist Episcopal Church, Eas- 
ton. 

"4, Greenwich township, N. J. 

"5, Williams township. 

"6, Shiloh school, in the vicinity of 
the college, in Williams township. 

"7, The school of Forks township, ex- 
amined along with No. 6. 

"After the examination was con- 
cluded, which was highly creditable to 
teachers and scholars, the Rev. Mr. 
Beasly, of the Episcopal Church, de- 
livered the address to the children, 
which was succeeded by a hymn. The 
address of Mr. M'Cool, of the Metho- 
dist Church, to the teachers next fol- 
lowed, which was also succeeded by 
music. The Rev. Mr. Gray, of the 
Presbyterian Church, then addressed 
the parents, and President Junkin, of 
LaFayette College, delivered the con- 
cluding prayer. The assemblage then 
sung the farewell hymn and the schools 
left the church in order, under charge 
of the teachers. 

"The whole, we think, well calcu- 
lated to advance the praiseworthy sys- 
tem of Sunday school institutions. 

"The addresses of the Rev. gentle- 
men were applicable, able and impres- 
sive." [April 16, 1833.] 



THE FIRST COLLEGE BUILDING, 
NOW SOUTH COLLEGE, ERECT- 
ED 1833 ON MOUNT 
WASHINGTON. 

"Our readers will learn with pleasure 



83 



that the Trustees of LaFayette College 
are proceeding to build in earnest. 
Failing to obtain Legislative aid, our 
people have put their shoulders to the 
wheel and are about to rear a stately 
edifice, 112 feet front and 44 feet deep, 
on Mount Washington, north of Bush- 
kill creek, facing the Court House, to 
be three stories high, with an attic. 
The whole to be rough cast. 

"In another part of our paper propo- 
sals for the building are published." 
[April 30, 1833.] 



SENSATIONAL MILITARY GOSSIP. 

"Our spring parades commenced yes- 
terday. The Militia of the borough are 
divided into two Companies — the first 
company, consisting of the enrolled 
inhabitants East of Bank Alley, mus- 
tered at 10 o'clock under their oldCapt. 
Abraham Sigman, who marched them 
through the streets for several hours, 
which afforded them, as well as the 
boys, a great deal of merriment. The 
second company, west of Bank Alley, 
paraded in the afternoon under Capt. 
Abraham Mixsell, who found his men 
very difficult to manage — a spirit of 
mutiny was perceptible in every sec- 
tion. The Captain marched his men 
across the Lehigh Bridge, where a 
revolution broke out, and the company 
nullified, the left, under the First Lieu- 
tenant taking a different route. The 
parties met on the hill, where they 
settled their differences in a fist fight, 
without leaving any killed or mortally 
wounded on the field. 

"The first Easton Troop, Capt. Yard, 
also paraded, and in the afternoon re- 
paired to a neighboring field, where the 
company practiced at target firing for a 
medal, which was awarded to Samuel 
Adams." [May 7, 1833.] 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 

"At a meeting of Council held on the 
3d of May, it was 

"Resolved, That the footwalks be 
put down and the streets curbed on the 
south side of Spring Garden street, 
from Pomfret to Fermor street, and on 
both sides of Fermor street,from North- 
ampton to Ferry street. 

"Resolved, That the housekeepers in 
the borough of Easton be directed to 
have their cellars cleansed and white- 
washed before first day of June next. 
"P. S. MICHLER, President. 

"Attest— C. KITCHEN, Town Clerk. 

"May 7, 1833 4t" 



the Borough of Easton yesterday [June 
3, 1833], we understand that a resolu- 
tion was unanimously adopted to make 
arrangements for the reception and 
entertainment of the President of the 
United States [Andrew Jackson] in the 
event of his taking Easton in his route 
during his purposed tour. 

"The resolution being adopted, 
Messrs. J. M. Porter, J. C. Wikoff and 
Melchoir Horn, Members of Council, 
were appointed a committee for the 
purpose of carrying it into effect." 



PROPOSED VISIT TO EASTON OF 
THE IDOL OF THE DEMOCRACY. 
"At a meeting of the Town Council of 



PUBLIC MEETING. 

"At a numerous meeting of the 
friends of President Jackson, convened 
at the house of Melchoir Horn, on Fri- 
day evening, the 7th inst., for the pur- 
pose of making arrangements for his 
reception, should he visit Easton on his 
return from his contemplated tour to 
the Eastward, 

"Major George Hess was appointed 
President, 

"Daniel Raub, Esq., and Dr. Stewart 
Kennedy Vice Presidents and 

"Joel Jones and Charles Kitchen 
Secretaries. 

"On motion, Robert M. Brooke, Esq., 
David Barnet, Joseph Shnyder, Hiram 
Yard, Benjamin S. Shultz, Azariah 
Prior and John Ziegenfuss were ap- 
pointed a committee to draft resolu- 
tions expressing the views and senti- 
ments of the meeting. 

"The following resolutions were re- 
ported and unanimously adopted: 

"Whereas, It is understood that Gen. 
Andrew Jackson, President of the Uni- 
ted States, has determined to visit Eas- 
ton, and has already commenced the 
journey, and as we, in common with 
our fellow citizens, feel anxious to 
render a just tribute of respect to the 
man who has filled the measure of his 
'country's glory' in the cabinet and the 
field, therefore 

"Resolved, That a committee be ap- 
pointed to wait on President Jackson 
and invite him to visit Easton and to 
express to him the high satisfaction 
they should feel in being authorized to 
communicate to their fellow citizens 
his determination to stop at this place 
on his return from the Eastward. 

"Resolved, That this meeting consid- 
er the attack of Ex-Lieutenant Ran- 
dolph upon the person of our venerable 
President as not only an infamous as- 
sault, but also a direct and gross out- 
rage ui)on the whole American People, 
deserving their most unqualified cen- 
sure and indignation. 

"Resolved, That this meeting ad- 
journ to meet again on Friday evening 
next at this place, to receive the report 



84 



of the committee and then to adopt 
such measures as the occasion may re- 
quire. 

"The following gentlemen were ap- 
pointed a committee to wait upon the 
President: Peter Ihrie, David D. Wag- 
ener, John Ziegenfuss, David Barnet, 
Richard Brodhead, Jr., Frederick W. 
Muller and Melchoir Horn. 

"Resolved, That this meeting will 
take pleasure in uniting witn any other 
portion of their fellow citizens of the 
country in showing to the President the 
civilities proposed by the foregoing 
resolutions. 

"Resolved, That the committee ap- 
pointed to wait on the President have 
power to fill vacancies in their body. 

"Resolved, That the proceedings of 
this meeting be signed by its officers 
and published in the papers of this 
place. 

"GEORGE HESS, JR., President. 
"DANIEL RAUB, 
"STEWART KENNEDY, 

Vice Presidents, 
"JOEL Jv>.,ii;S, 
"CHARLES KITCHEN. 

"Secretaries." 
[June 11, 1833.] 
The President, however, did not find 
it convenient to take in Easton in his 
route, and almost the entire voting 
contingent and their families were dis- 
appointed. 



"NATIONAL BAND. 
"An adjourned meeting of the Band 
will be held at the house of John Burt 
this evening. The members are par- 
ticularly requested to attend, as busi- 
ness of importance will be transacted. 
"C. B. HELLER, Secretary. 
"June 18, 1833." 



"NOTICE. 

"Whereas, Peter Keifer, of Lower 
Mt. Bethel township, Northampton 
county, has maliciously circulated a 
report that I have purloined from him 
an axe, which axe has been subsequent- 
ly found in his own possession, and 

"Whereas, Since the property has 
been discovered, he continues to circu- 
late the said unfounded report, this is 
to give notice (a prosecution being 
likely only to be attended with cost to 
myself) that the said Peter Keifer, of 
the township and county as above, is a 
base calumniator, and the public are 
cautioned against crediting any report 
he may put into circulation respecting 
me. 

hiH 

"JACOB X KRUTZ. 

mark 

"Lower Mt. Bethel, June 18, 1833." 



ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE CELE- 
BRATION OF THE4TH0FJULY, 
1S33— LAYING OF THE COR- 
NER STONE OF THE 
FIRST COLLEGE 
BUILDING. 

At a meeting of the committee of 
arrangement of the Citizen Volunteers, 
the followingarrangements were agreed 
upon: 

1st. A detachment of the corps will 
fire one gun at day break from Mt. 
Jefferson on the morning of the 4th of 
July, and a National salute at sun-rise, 
at which time the bells of the town will 
be rung. 

2d. The corps will parade in full uni- 
form at 8 o'clock a. m. and proceed to 
join in the procession of the military 
and different bodies of citizens at 91/^ 
o'clock. 

3d. After an oration, &c., at the Re- 
formed Church they will proceed to 
fire a Federal salute. 

4th. At 2 o'clock precisely the corps 
will set down to a public dinner at the 
house of C. Engle, and we respectively 
invite our fellow citizens to join with 
us "around the festive board." No 
political toasts will be introduced. 
Persons wishing to partake with us 
will please inform either the under- 
signed committee of arrangement or 
Mr. C. Engle: 

D. W. BUTZ, 
J. P. HETRICH, 
BENJ. S. SHULTZ, 
JOSEPH LAUBACH, 
SIDNEY DOWN. 

July 1, 1833. 



PROCESSION. 

"The Trustees of LaFayette College 
have determined to lay the corner- 
stone of the college edifice on the ap- 
proaching Anniversary of Independ- 
ence: 

"A procession will be formed at the 
court house at a quarter past 9 o'clock 
A. M. to move precisely at half past 9 
o'clock to the new college ground. 

The military of Capt. Yard's troop 
and Capt. Butz's and Woodring's com- 
panies are invited to join, and have 
made arrangements for forming the 
van of the procession. 

•'The Citizen Band have also volun- 
teered their services for the occasion. 

"The soldiers of the Revolution, the 
Reverend Clergy, the Judge of the 
Court, the gentlemen of the Bar, the 
•Corporation of the Borough of Easton, 
the Easton Beneficial Society and the 
citizens generally are invited to join 
the procession. 

"The Faculty and Students of the 
College and the Board of Trustees, as 



85 



well as all others forming with the pro- 
cession, will please to be punctual in 
their attendance at a quarter past 9 
o'clock, in order that the procession 
may move precisely at the appointed 
time. 

"An address will be delivered at the 
new building on laying the cornerstone 
by the Rev. B. C. Wolf. 

"When the services are over on the 
ground the procession will move to the 
German Reformed Church, where at 
half past 11 o'clock J.R. Ingersoll.Esq., 
will deliver his address to tne two Lit- 
erary Societies of the College. 

"The church will be opened for ad- 
mitting ladies into the gallery before 
the procession arrives. But the lower 
part of it will remain closed until the 
procession arrives, and the persons 
forming it have entered, when the door 
will be opened for general admission. 

"By order. J. M. PORTER, 

"President of the Board of Trustees." 



AN ACCOUNT OF THE CELEBRA- 
TION AND CORNER-STONE 
LAYING. 

"The recent anniversary of our inde- 
pendence [July 4, 1833] was celebrated 
with more than its usual interest to us 
of Easton. The morning was ushered 
in by a gun at day-break from Mount 
Jefferson, with the reveille. At sun 
rise a salute was fired by the Citizen 
Volunteers, and all the bells of our 
town set in motion with their merry 
peal. The weather, which had been 
tnreatening and stormy for the pre- 
ceding days, was clear and not unpleas- 
antly warm. The Easton Troop, Capt. 
Yard, and the Citizen Volunteers. Capt. 
Butz, paraded at their respective quar- 
ters at 8 o'clock. 

"The procession for laying che corner 
stone of LaFayette College was formed 
at the court house square at half past 
9 o'clock, under the direction of Col. J. 
M. Porter, Chief Marshal, in the follow- 
ing order: 

"1. The Easton Troop. 

"2. The Citizen Volunteers (Artil- 
lery). 

"3. The Williams Township Artil- 
lery. 

"4. The Soldiers of the Revolution. 

"5. The clergy, preceded by Messrs. 
Ingersoll and Wolf. 

"6. The Judges of the Court and 
Gentlemen of the Bar. 

"7. The Corporation of the Borough 
of Easton, with the Chief Burgess at 
its head. 

"8. The Superintendent of the build- 
ing, carrying the box to be deposited in 
the corner-stone.with the marble mason 



and workmen engaged at the building, 
carrying their tools. 

"9. The Citizens' Band, under direc- 
tion of Mr. Peter Pomp. 

"10. The faculty and students of the 
College. 

"11. The Board of Trustees. 

"12. The Easton Beneficial Society. 

"13. The Citizens generally. 

"The procession was formed at the 
Court house and was put in motion at 
about a quarter before 10 o'clock. It 
proceeded up Northampton to Hamil- 
ton [Fourth] street, thence along Ham- 
ilton street to Bushkill street, thence 
along Bushkill street to the stone 
bridge over that stream, thence along 
the Wind-gap road to the road [Sulli- 
van's Road] leading up the hill in the 
rear of the college, and thence to the 
new edifice. 

"On arriving at the ground it was 
found that, notwithstanding the num- 
bers in the procession, there was yet a 
greater number who had mounted the 
steep ascent in front and had assembled 
themselves in and around the building. 
With some difficulty the space around 
the scaffold or stage was cleared off, 
and the ceremony of laying the stone 
proceeded in the following order: 

"1. Music by the Band. 

"2. Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Beasly, 
of the Episcopal Church. 

"3. The stone was then laid by Col. 
Porter, President of the Board of Trus- 
tees, with the assistance of the work- 
men. Before depositing the box in the 
cavity of the stone its contents were 
exhibited to the crowd. They consist- 
ed of a scroll containing the date of the 
charter of Incorporation, the date of 
the commencement of the building, the 
day of laying the corner-stone, the 
name of the President and \ice Presi- 
dent of the United btates, of the Gov- 
ernor of Pennsylvania, of the faculty, 
trustees and students of the college, 
and of the architect and workmen en- 
gaged in the erection of the building, 
portraits of Washington, Jackson and 
Wolf, and impressions taken from the 
college seal, giving a faithful likeness 
of Gen. LaFayette, a Bible, a book con- 
taining the Constitutions of each State 
of the Union, the last copy of the last 
numbers of each of ^the newspapers 
printed in the county. The box was 
then sealed shut with solder by Mr. A. 
Lamb, the workman who made it." 

"On setting the stone in its place 
Col. Porter said: 

" 'Here, on the anniversary of our 
independence, we dedicate thisbuilding 
to the cause of science and education. 
May it long be the seat of virtue and 
learning. May the example of him 
whose name it bears, and who is well 



86 



described as the model of republican 
chivalry, the hero of three revolutions, 
of two centuries and of both hemi- 
spheres, inspire the youth who shall be 
here educated with the proper spirit of 
patriotism and philanturopy. And may 
the all bounteous Author of nature 
bless this our undertaking, protect 
those engaged in completing this struc- 
ture from accident and harm, and long 
preserve it from decay.' 

"4. The Rev. B. C. Wolf, of the Ger- 
man Reformed Church, delivered a 
neat, beautiful and appropriate ad- 
dress. 

"5. Music by the Band. 

"6. Concluding prayer by the Rev. 
Mr. Vandever, of the Reformed Dutch 
Church. 

"The procession was again formed 
and proceeded down the hill in front of 
tne college to the Bushkill creek, and 
entering the town by the wooden bridge 
over that stream, proceeded along Pom- 
fret street to the German Reformed 
Church, where the following ceremo- 
nies were observed: 

"1. Music Dy the choir, accompanied 
with the organ, under direction of Mr. 
Slemmer. 

"2. Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Gray, of 
the Presbyterian Church. 

"3. Reading of the Declaration of 
Independence by Jacob Weygandt, Esq. 

"4. Address by Joseph R. Ingersoll, 
Esq., of Philadelphia, delivered to and 
in pursuance of the appointment of the 
Franklin and Washington Literary So- 
cieties of Lafayette College. 

"Of this address, the delivery of 
which occupied more than an hour, we 
cannot speak in terms of too high com- 
mendation. Much had been expected 
from the able and eloquent orator, nor 
was expectation disappointed. It was 
one of the most cnaste and elegant 
pieces of composition we ever heard, 
full of classical allusions and refer- 
ences, admirably adapted to the occa- 
sion, and its delivery was in the best 
style of its accomplished author. It 
will be shortly published, and is well 
worth possession. 

"5. Music by the choir. 

"6. Prayer by the Rev. Mr. McCool, 
late of the Methodist Church. 

"7. Benediction by President Junkin. 

"The arrangements for the procession 
were well made and as well executed. 
Everybody seemed pleased and delight- 
ed, and, indeed, we know not how they 
could have been otherwise. 

"There were several dinner parties 
in honor of the day. The 'Blues' and 
Williams Township Artillery dined at 
Engle's, the Troop at Conner's and the 
Jackson and Wolf men at Burt's." 



IT IS DIFFERENT NOW. 
"Easton Bank, July 19, 1833. 

"The Directors have this day de- 
cleared an extra dividend of fourteen 
and two-sevenths per cent., equal to 
five dollars per share on the capital 
stock of this institution, payable to the 
stockholders or their legal Representa- 
tives on the first day of August next. 

"And the stockholders are hereby 
further notified that an eighth instal- 
ment of five dollars per share is re- 
quired to be paid to the Cashier at 
their banking house at the same time. 

"Stockholders not calling on that 
day to receive their dividends will have 
the amount appropriated to the pay- 
ment of the instalment due on their 
stock. 

"The holders of stock (which has 
heretofore been paid In full) will have 
the amount of their dividends placed to 
their credit, subject to their order, at 
any time after the first of August. 

"J. SINTON, Cashier. 

"July 23, 1835." 



FIRST DAILY STAGE LINE BE- 
TWEEN PHILADELPHIA 
AND EASTON. 

When, in 1805, Frederick Nicholas 
improved the stage service between 
Philadelphia and Easton to two trips 
per week it was considered a greatly 
improved accommodation over that 
wnich John Nicholas had given the 
public for some years in weekly trips. 
The following announcement musthave 
caused considerable excitement in the 
community: 



"THE PEOPLE'S ACCOMMODATION 
LINE OF DAILY COACHES BE- 
TWEEN PHILADELPHIA, 
BETHLEHEM, EASTON 
AND ALLENTOWN. 

"The public is most respectfully in- 
formed that the subscribers have just 
commenced running a 

DAILY LINE OF COACHES 
between the above mentioned places 
for the accommodation of the public, 
contemplating to run one coacn through 
to Bethlehem. Much inconvenience 
and uneasiness to passengers will be 
avoided as to the risk and time in 
changing baggage. 

"The above line will leave Messrs. 
Wade & Sturdivant's Golden Swan 
Hotel, North Third street, near Arch, 
and Mr. Jonathan Berger's Hotel 
(Black Horse), North Second street, 
near Callowhill, every morning at half 
past 5 o'clock, stopping at Mr. Watson's 
Hotel (the Barley Sheat), North Sec- 
ond street, near Vine, proceeding by the 



87 



way of the Rising Sun, Germantown, 
Chestnut Hill, Whitemarch, Spring- 
house, Montgomery Square, Line Lex- 
ington, Mount Pleasant (Branch Val- 
ley), Strawntown, Pleasant Valley 
(Springfield), Hellertown to Shimers- 
ville, beautifully situated in view of 
u-e river Lehigh and the Canal where 
it crosses the bridges over the same, 
and arrives in the new and oeavitiful 
town of Freemansburg, recently built 
and constructed on the banks of the 
canal, admirably situated and adapted 
for pleasantness and accommodation 
not surpassed by any on the route, at 
which place a new coach is in waiting 
to convey passengers to Easton on a 
pleasant road on the north bank of the 
Kiver; thence from Freemansburg to 
Bethlehem, where a four-horse coach 
leaves immediately for Allentown, ar- 
riving at each place in the afternoon of 
the same day. Next morning at 5 
o'clock a coach leaves for Mauch Chunk 
and Beaver Meadows. 

"Returning.leaves Mr. C.Copp's Penn- 
sylvania Hotel, Allentown, and Mr. Wil- 
liam White's Hotel and Mr. John 
Burt's (Golden Swan) Hotel, Easton, 
at 5 o'clock a. m., and Mr. P. Brong's 
Eagle Hotel, Bethlehem, at 6 o'clock 
a. m. by the same route to Philadelphia, 
where it arrives early in the afternoon. 

"This being the People's Accommo- 
dation Line, the managers are determ- 
ined to be strictly accommodating; first 
rate coaches, good teams of horses, 
Sober and obliging drivers will always 
be found on the line. Moderate rates 
of fare and every attention to promote 
the comfort and convenience of Travel- 
lers, consistent with speed, safety and 
punctuality, are the means through 
which they claim and hope for a share 
of the patronage of a liberal public. 

"Packages and Parcels forwarded 
carefully at moderate charges. All 
Baggage and Packages at the risk of 
their owners. 

"Passengers who cannot convenient- 
ly be at the oflRce, will be called for 
and set down at any desired place 
within the limits of the City and Lib- 
erties of Philadelphia. 

"CHARLES BROCK, Philadelphia. 

"JACOB SHIPE, Easton. 

"CH. COPP, Allentown. 

"G. H. GOUNDIE, Bethlehem. 

".Managers. 

"August 6, 1833." 

ADVERTISEMENTS. 



located himself in Delaware Ward, in 
the house lately occupied by Mr. C. 
Denniston, where he has opened a 
Confectionary and Grocery, and will be 
pleased to accommodate those who 
may favor him with a call. Cakes of 
all kinds for weddings, parties, &c.,&c., 
baked on order and always kept on 
hand. Pickles of every description, 
and warranted good. Meal and Feed, 
first quality, and a constant supply." 
[Oct. 15, .o33.] 



"SHAKESPEARE OYSTER CELLAR 
AND EATING HOUSE. 
"Stogdell Stokes informs his old ac- 
quaintances and the public that he has 



"J. R. & W. HOWE, JR. & CO.'S NEW 
YORK MENAGERIE, 

Comprising the most extensive and in- 
teresting collection of living animals 
now traveling, will be exhibited in Eas- 
ton in the Spring Garden Square on 
Wednesday anu Thursday, the 30th and 
31st of October, instant. For two days 
only. Hours of exhibition on Wednes- 
day from 1 o'clock to 4 o'clock p. m. 
and from 6 o'clock to 9 in the evening; 
and on Thursday from 9 o'clock to 12 
a. m., from 1 o'clock to 4 p.m. and from 
6 o'clock to 9 o'clock in the evening. 
The animals are those of the rarest in 
the world, and the only ones of their 
species that have ever been exhibited 
in America. The proprietors pledge 
themselves to spare no pains to pro- 
mote the comfort as well as amusement 
of visitors. For the better accommo- 
dation of ladies and juvenile branches 
of families there will be eligible seats 
constructed sufficient to accommodate 
from 400 to 500 persons. Among the 
collection are the following: Male Ele- 
phant Columbus, supposed to be 21 
years of age and to weigh 9, COO pounds, 
nine feet high, with tusks near four 
feet in length. The Gnoo — This ani- 
mal has been lately brought from Eng- 
land. In the shape of its body it most 
evidently partakes of the horse, the 
ox, the stag and the antilope. The 
Gnoo may justly be considered as the 
greatest curiosity in the world. A pair 
of beautiful African Leopards in one 
cage. The keeper will enter the cage 
with them on Wednesday afternoon at 
3 o'clock and on Thursday at 11 o'clock 
a. m. and at 3 o'clock p. m. The real 
Zebra of Africa. The quagga, which, 
until lately has been confounded with 
the zebra, is far inferior both in beauty 
of its stripes and the elegance of the 
form. Royal Tiger of Bengal, largest 
and most beautiful in America. Hyena 
of Ethiopia. The royal Asiatic Tiger 
differs from the Bengal Tiger in dispo- 
sition, the one atrocious and the other 
tame and docile. Spotted or Laughing 
Hyena, the only one in this country. 
Spotted Tiger of South America. The, 
Civit Cat of Asia. Gennet Cat, the- 



88 



Armadilla, Camels, male and female, 
Ichneumons, Catamundas, Ferrets, 
Guinea Pigs, Macaw Bird, Parrots, &c., 
&c.. together with a variety of other 
animals too numerous to mention. 
Monkeys and Poneys. It might be 
considered trifling to describe particu- 
larly the performance of a monkey, yet 
the extraordinary sagacity displayed 
by the principal performing monkeys 
of this collection has never been 
equalled by any other. Admittance, 
25 cents; children under 12 years, half 
price. October 22,1833." 



"SALE OF PEWS. 

"A number of convenient Pews, situ- 
ated on the ground floor of the German 
Reformed Church, in the borough of 
Easton, will be sold at public sale in 
said church on Saturday, the 9th of 
November next at 2 o'clock p. m. 

"October 22, 1833." 



"OUR OWN TOWN AND OUR OWN 
AFFAIRS. 

"In the last season the work of im- 
provement has been going on with 
steady and sure pace. Footwalks have 
been put down, streets graded and re- 
paired, curbs set, &c., by the corpora- 
tion, who, if they have not done all that 
was desired, have done all that could 
have been expected of prudent public 
servants, well disposed to improve- 
ment, but not disposed to too sudden 
and lavish an expenditure. When a 
few more pavements shall have been 
made and a few more crossways put 
at the intersection of our streets we 
shall have comfortable walking during 
the worst of weather, so far as pave- 
ments and crossings can make it so. 

"We have not been able to ascertain 
the exact number of houses erected 
within the borough limits during the 
last season, but they cannot be much, 
if any, short of fifty, many of them sub- 
stantial brick edifices, and near a 
dozen of them covered with slate. To 
this add the stately LaFayette College, 
112 feet front, perched on Mount La- 
Fayette, north of the Bushkill, over- 
looking the town and adjacent country 
for miles. We do not know that our 
eyes ever rested on a more beautiful 
and variegated scene than that afford- 
ed from the tower of this building. It 
has gone up with unparalleled dis- 
patch. The first stone was laid on the 
27th of June and ere the 27th of No- 
vember the roof, now being put on, will 
be completed, and the building ready 
for occupation by the students. This 
expedition reflects great credit on Mr. 
Samuel Ricker,the architect and super- 



intendent, who has had the building in 
charge. 

"South Easton, too, is also another 
busy scene. Houses are there being 
built in numbers, of a permanent char- 
acter. This season an additional mill 
was built by Messrs. Bush & Failing, 
and the next season we learn a mer- 
chant grist mill will be put up by Mr. 
Swift, and a double saw mill,with other 
machinery connected, by D. Barnet & 
Co. 

"We are, literally speaking, "in the 
full tide of successful experiment," 
and, if we mistake not, the Delaware 
Canal, in consequence of the trade of 
the Lehigh Canal and of this place, will 
pay to the State of Pennsylvania a 
better interest than any other line of 
canal in the State. We think our Legis- 
lature should remember the fable of 
the goose that laid the goiden egg — 
that in destroying the source of her 
revenue she might destroy the revenue 
with it." 

[Nov. 19, 1833.] 



"MILITIA ELECTION. 

"Saturday last was a day big with 
the fate of the bloody 97th Regiment. 
An election was held to fill the vacancy 
occasioned by the removal of Lieut. 
Col. Wagener out of the bounds of the 
Regiment. 

The returns from the 2d Battalion 
have not been received, but it is ascer- 
tained that Col. Sheffler is duly and 
legally elected to the second office of 
the Regiment by a majority of not less 
than 170 votes. 

"The vote in the 1st Battalion, held 
in this place, is: For George Sheffler, 
289; Andrew H. Reeder, 84; Abraham 
Mixsell, 19. 

"Colonel Sheffler's name is now 
about to be handed down to posterity 
along with the redoubtable and immor- 
tal Colonel Pluck. George has been 
long and advantageously known to the 
" swinish multitude," having once 
made a glorious escape from them at 
the late General Lattimore's distillery, 
in Allen township, at which he was 
regularly installed as feeder,and where 
he perhaps first imbibed his military 
ideas from seeing his master at the 
head of a Brigade. 

"George, like Richard the Third, at 
first declined the honor, but being 
pressed hard, and assured that the 
office was worth $500 per annum, he 
assented, saying: 'Well, well, ven I can 
make money py it, I dont keer.' 

"When the result was known, a large 
number of the "sovereigns" who had 
elected him, waited on the new Lieu- 
tenant Colonel, who for some years 



89 



past has played the useful part of host- 
ler at the Globe Tavern, to congratu- 
late him on the result. He was no 
little pleased to find he was so popular. 
We learn he had the offer of a suit of 
regimentals, & the use of Dr. Runyon's 
donkey for the next parade." 

[December 10, 1833.] 
"We give below the full returns of 
the late election for Lieutenant Col- 
onel of the 97th Regiment. The ma- 
jority for Col. Sheffler, says our neigh- 
bour of the "Sentinel is reduced in 
the 2d Battalion, to about 70. This is 
an error — his majority is 166 votes 
over his opponents. 

1st Bat 2d Bat Total 

George Sheffler 289 4 293 

Andrew H. Reeder. . 84 43 127 
Abraham Mixsell... 19 00 19 

[December 17, 1833.] 



The completion of the three canal 
lines to Easton gave it a maritime im- 
portance, and many have been the 
stories told of adventure on these 
waterways. The following will give 
some idea of the business done through 
the collector's office: 

"DELAWARE Dx v ISION. 

"Amount of property cleared at the 
collector's office, Easton, from the first 
of April to the 31st of December, 1833: 

Flour 26,133 barrels 

Wheat 6,412 bushels 

Corn 33,349 bushels 

Potatoes 215 bushels 

Butter 39.940 pounds 

Wool 2,110 pounds 

Flax 4,419 pounds 

Leather 79.178 pounds 

Whiskey 108,882 gallons 

Linseed oil 7,280 gallons 

Furniture 20,366 pounds 

Window glass 72 boxes 

Coal 91,824 tons 

Iron 469,603 pounds 

Lime 2,351 bushels 

Limestone 232 perches 

Roofing slate 884,558 pounds 

Shorts and ship stuff. . .310,409 pounds 

Sundries 83,255 pounds 

Sawed lumber 239,400 feet 

Paving stone 3,769 tons 

Live hogs 191,250 pounds 

Amount of tolls $b6,647.67 

Of which amount the Lehigh Com- 
pany paid $28,667.41. 

Amount of property arrived at Eas- 
ton from the 1st day of July to the 31st 
day of December, 1833: 

Grass seed 80 bushels 

Potatoes 124 bushels 

Fish 3,472 barrels 

Cheese 21,^^0 barrels 

Tallow 6,998 barrels 

Salt 26,267 bushels 



Hemp 8,373 pounds 

Tobacco 65,248 pounds 

Raw hides 114,508 pounds 

Domestic spirits 12,070 gallons 

Foreign liquors 24,5 Jl gallons 

Merchandise 1,580,469 pounds 

Oil 21,592 gallons 

Plaster 2,675 tons 

Furniture 27,943 pounds 

Window glaiss 288 boxes 

Iron 339,894 pounds 

Lead 2,176 pounds 

Copper and tin 9,902 pounds 

Marble 87,344 pounds 

Wood 484 cords 

Sundries 279,534 pounds 

Bricks 296,225 pounds 

Amount of tolls paid by the following 
canal boats during the season of navi- 
gation of 1833: 

Boats. Captains Amount. 

*Gov. Wolf— R. G. Youells... $1,047 20 

♦Triumph— William Able 724 77 

Gen. Washington — W. Crocker 611 49 
Westward Ho!— JohnHartzell 650 18 
Independence — James Conner 515 12 
Gen. Jackson — John Able.... 512 52 
William Tell— J. Gudekunst. 460 28 
Northampton— Wm. Nagle. .. 406 91 
Morning Star — John Ripple.. 342 46 

Thistle— Hugh Cummins 291 60 

North America— A. Huffnert. 284 56 
Paul Jones— Daniel Wesser.. 262 33 
Walk-in-the-Water— D. P.Witts 269 23 
Charles Carroll— John Savitz 250 76 
*Both these boats are owned by our 
enterprising fellow citizen, Jacoo Able, 
Esq." 



THE FANTASTICALS. 

"On New Year's Day [1834] our town 
was enlivened by a parade unrivalled 
in the annals of this place. About 9 
o'clock in the morning tue Fantastical 
Band began to assemble in Delaware 
Ward, and before 10 o'clock, with a 
banner bearing the motto 'The Pride of 
Our Country' and trumpets sounding 
high the glorious notes of war, they 
took up their line of march. The Cap- 
tain of the Band wore a dress which, as 
to shades, would have outshone Joseph's 
coat of many colours; his cap was 
something like four feet in length, hav- 
ing two canteens dangling at each end 
as tassels, and the whole surmounted 
by a weathercock. There were horns 
of every variety, from the long tin horn 
down to the penny trumpet, and each 
musician (if we may be allowed so to 
call them) tried his utmost to outdo 
his neighbor in raising the full chorus 
of discordant sounds. One of them, in 
the character of Mim Crow,' acted his 
part with admiration and danced to the 
music of an organ grinder, marching at 
the side of the Captain, in a manner 



90 



that would have put the real Jim Crow 
in the background. 

"After marching through several of 
our streets the Band formed a line in 
the Centre Square and soon afterwards 
the remainder of these 'men of war,' 
having formed at the point tavern, 
marched to join them, under command 
of their redoubtable Colonel, who, 
mounted on a donkey trimmed off with 
a profusion of sleigh and cow bells and 
bearing a monstrous pair of ram's 
horns affixed to his head, appeared at 
the head of his invincible Regiment. 
As to his steed, we might safely say, 
in the language of the day, that the 
steed of Don Quixote 'wasn't a priming' 
to the donkey. The Colonel himself, 
as to the splendor of his military equip- 
ments, threw the doughty Hudibras in 
the shade. They marched past the 
band, who saluted them with nodding 
plumes, waving banners, loud braying 
horns and clanging potlids as they 
passed. Among them was to be seen 
the native of the forest with bow and 
tomahawk, the physician with his medi- 
cines, followed by the grave-digger, 
bearing his spades and mattock strapped 
on his knapsack, which bore the motto 
'I bury the dead. Banners bearing 
various devices were seen along the 
line, and we observed among them 
mottoes of 'United we stand, divided 
we fall,' 'Give us liberty or death,' 
'Time rules all things,' 'Success to the 
malicious system,' &c. Their provi- 
sion store, which was a large basket 
party filled with mackerel and her- 
ring, was strapped on the shoulders of 
one of their number. Hogs' ears, to- 
bacco plugs and whitewash brushes 
were used in lieu of epaulettes — caps 
from the height of four feet down to a 
calash, on which were lettered mot- 
toes, that would beggar all the powers 
of description. 

"The rear of this aisplay of nonde- 
script soldiers was brought up by a 
fellow marching along with all the 
gravity and importance of an old vete- 
ran, masked and wearing a gypsey hat, 
a leg of a deer for his musket, his coat 
corded with segars and herring, a two- 
gallon canteen labeled gin, and wear- 
ing a United States knapsack upside 
down, with the motto 'Our country's 
wrong' attached to it. After parading 
Liirough town until about noon they 
dismissed. We understand that they 
are to have another parade in the 
spring." 



Philadelphia, and the public in gene- 
ral: 

"A report having got into circulation 
that the above line was about bawling 
off, I herewith take pleasure in contra- 
dicting it, and at the same time inform- 
ing the public that it will be run all 
winter, the same as it has been hereto- 
fore. 

"Earlyin the springtheproprietorsof 
this line will run a splendid omnibus 
between the towns of Easton, Bethle- 
hem and Allentown, and return the 
same day, in connection with the Peo- 
ple's Accommodation Line, to which 
undertaking they solicit a continuance 
of public patronage, of which they have 
enjoyed as large a share during last 
season. 

"Passengers from Allentown will 
leave that place after the 1st of April 
next at 7 o'clock a. m. and intersect 
this line at Hellertown at about 8 
o'clock, arriving in Philadelphia as 
early as formerly. 

"The public are respectfully informed 
that after the 1st of April next the 
People's Accommodation Line will be 
inferior to none in this section of the 
country. G. H. GOUNDIE, 

In behalf of the Proprietors and Stock- 
holders of said line. 
"January 21, 1834." 



"FREE AND EASY. 

"A meeting of young men favorable 
to forming a society for this social pur- 
pose will be held at thehouse of Capt. 
Nungesser on Saturday evening next 
at early candle light. MANY. 

"February 11, 1834." 



"STAGE NOTICE— EXTRA. 

"To the patrons of the People's Accom- 
modation Line of Coaches between 
Easton, Bethlehem, Allentown and 



"A SIGN. 

"The signs of the times cannot be 
mistaken. Even popular favorites, 
such as General Jackson has been, will 
find out that they may go too far and 
the retributive justice of public opinion 
wil sink back the 'Kitchen Cabinet' to 
its original nothingness and leave their 
culinary establishments topsy-turvy. 

"But we started to relate a mishap 
that befell the 'Old Roman's' likeness 
in our town. On Friday night last 
some wags very secretly and deliber- 
ately took down the head of the Gene- 
ral, which constituted the sign of mine 
host of the Jackson Hotel, in this place, 
and, having duly changed the hanging 
irons and the landlord's name, put it up 
again, upside down. The thing was 
done decently and in order, and in the 
morning, a little to the chagrin of the 
landlord and much to that of the few 
Glory and Reform' people we have yet 
left, the Old Roman was left topsy- 
turvy." 



91 



"LIGHT INFANTRY. 

"Those young men of the borough of 
Easton who are favorable to the forma- 
tion of a Light Infantry Corps are re- 
quested to meet at the house of Mel- 
choir Horn on Saturday evening next 
at 61/2 o'clock. MANY. 

"Easton, March 4, 1834." 



The County Treasurer's report for 
the year 1835 shows the following, 
among other payments: 
For fox scalps and crow's heads. $60.84 
For Panther scalps 48.12 



HISTORICAL SKETCHESRELATING 
TO EASTON AND NORTHAMP- 
TON COUNTY, PA., AND 
THEIR INHABITANTS. 



Miscellaneous Local Events in 1835. 



NEW SERIES— NO. 7. 



Contributed by Etnan A. Weaver. 



The "political pot" began to simmer 
in the early months of 1835, and by the 
fall elections was boiling to overflow- 
ing. Township meetings were held, 
and at the one for Forks, held at the 
house of Abraham Babp (innkeeper) 
on Saturday, May 9th, Valentine Wea- 
ver was made president and Edward B. 
fahimer and Jesse Schug secretaries of 
the meeting, and at least three columns 
of resolutions were passed denouncing 
the Wolf administration and advocating 
Joseph Ritner, of Washington county, 
for the Governorship. 

Wolf had received his nomination for 
the Governorship in 1829 largely through 
the influence of his home people in Old 
Northampton, but at the end of the 
second term his administration was the 
subject of severe criticism. 

Ritner was a man of the people — a 
plain Pennsylvania German farmer. 
The present Republican candidate for 
the Governorship, Judge Samuel W. 
Pennypacker, is another of his type, 
and one whom all, irrespective of party, 
can with confidence look to as the 
coming Governor of all. A personal 
acquaintance and frequent association 
with the man, covering a period of 
twelve or more years, has impressed 
upon me his strong personality and 
honorable fairmindedness. He is not 
built to be a one man's man — he is a 
representative Pennsylvanian. 

Military organizations (which were 
a strong adjunct to the political) be- 
came correspondingly active, and the 
hand of the politician was visible by 
the selections made for such offices as 
Colonel, Major, Brigade Inspector, etc. 



On April 1, 1835, was opened the 
once famous American Hotel, some- 
times called Connor's Hotel.which stood 
on South Pomfret (Third) street.where 
the Drake building now stands. 

Melchoir Horn was the first land- 
lord of the American, and in his an- 
nouncement he informed his friends 
and the public that the hotel had just 
been completed and elegantly fur- 
nished. It was announced as "one of 
tue largest in the country, containing 



eighty chambers, diningroom fifty feet 
long, ladies' drawingroom, four delight- 
ful parlors, thirty single and twenty 
double bed chambers and a large yard 
with abundant stabling. A hydrant in 
the yard furnished a plentiful supply 
of pure and wholesome water, and the 
bar was supplied with the best liquors 
and choicest of wines." 



Some of the new business men of the 
town were: 

Eben Owen, who made coaches, 
chariots, dearborns, gigs, sulkeys, &c., 
on the Bethlehem road, a few doors 
west of John street. 

John T. Scofield put on fireproof slate 
a little dearer than shingles. 

Henry Keller had a rope factory and 
sold his wares, including groceries and 
cedarwares a>, the southwest corner of 
Centre Square. 

Donlevy & Co., looking-glasses and 
picture frame manufactory, pier man- 
tle and toilette glasses, andirons, 
shovels and tongs, wall paper, fine 
prints, colored and plain, at iOVz 
Northampton street. 

Enoch S. Clark, first door west of the 
Delaware bridge, dealt in dry goods, 
hardware, queensware, liquors, &c. 

Charles F. Worrel taught singing in 
the lecture room of the German Re- 
formed Church. Scholars between 6 
and 12 years paid 50 cents per quarter; 
between 12 and 16, 75 cents, and above 
It), $1. 

J. R. Latimore opened a scrivener's 
office at the southwest corner of the 
Market Square. 

Patrick Mellon manufactured French 
burr millstones. 



MILITARY. 

"On Saturday last [May 2, 1835] Capt. 
Yohe's Company or Washington Greys 
celebrated their seventh anniversary. 
They went through their evolutions 
and firing with great precision, and 
much praise is due the corps for the 
perfection to which they have brought 
their discipline. 

In the afternoon they partook of a 
sumptuous dinner at the American 
Hotel, at which there were a number of 
invited guests. 

We understand the Greys intend to 
reform themselves and adopt a blue 
uniform. 

The First Easton Troop, under com- 
mand of Capt. Hiram Yard, made a 
splendid parade on Monday. They are 
a fine and well-equipped body of men, 
and a few more recruits are only want- 
ed to make their appearance, when on 
parade, as imposing as any troop we 
have ever seen. 



In the afternoon they proceeded to 
our friend Seipe's, where they fired at 
a target for a beautiful medal bearing 
the motto "Our Country, Right or 
Wrong," which was won by Edward 
Ihrie. 

The following are the candidates for 
the First Brigade, Seventh Division, 
P. M. [May, 1835.]: 

For Brigadier General. 

Gen. Conrad Shimer. 

Col. Jacob Kern. 

For Brigade Inspector. 

Major Isaac B. Shimer, Lower Saucon. 

John Kessler, Bethlehem. 

Christian Luch, Bethlehem . 

Capt. George Schlabach, Allen. 

Major Jacob Cope, Bushkill. 

Capt. Michael Weaver, Plainfield. 

Capt. John Jacoby, Lower Mt.Bethel. 

Adj. Charles Weaver,LowerMt.Bethe 

Capt. George L. Slutter, Hamilton. 

George L. VanBuskirk, Hamilton. 

Major Jacob Keller, Williams. 

Capt. Hiram Yard, Easton. 

John R. Latimore, Easton. 

F. W. MuUer, Easton." 



FIELD OFFICERS— 97TH REGIMENT 
For Colonel. 
Abraham Miller. 
William H. Townsend. 

For Lieutenant Colonel. 
Joseph Dietrich. 
Major John Dech. 

For Major. 
Martin Seiple. 
George B. Hineline. 
Edward Seip, Easton. 
E^van Rees, Easton. 



MILITARY ELECTION. 

"The elections for general and field 
officers of the Militia and Volunteers 
of this State took place on Monday last 
[June 1, 1835]. In the First Brigade, 
Seventh Division, the contest was a 
warm one between Gen. Shimer and 
Col. Jacob Kern for the office of Briga- 
dier General; the former has succeed- 
ed, we apprehend, by a large majority. 
There might be a variety of reasons 
assigned for the votes in this regiment, 
particularly in the first battalion, who 
voted at the house of Charles Engel, in 
this borough. There were political 
reasons and private griefs operating — 
there were attachment to one candidate 
in some and fear of letting the other 
rise too high in others. There was 
great industry, a great deal of money 
expended and a vast deal of rum pun- 
ished to help those who were itching 
for military titles along. 

The following is the result of the 
election in the Ninety-seventh Regi- 
ment: 



93 



For Brigadier General. 

1 Bat. 2 Bat. 

Conrad Shimer 733 399 

Jacob Kern 229 85 



For Colonel. 



399 

42 



W. H. Townsend 446 

Abraham Miller. 434 

For Lieutenant Colonel. 

John Dech 326 

Joseph Dietrich 439 

For Major. 

Evan Rees received 465; Edward J. 
Seip, 298, and George B. Hineline, 120. 

The following is the result in detail 
of the military election held June 1, 
1835, above referred to: 



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P O "CE 
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bSOdOIOSbdtSbSOM 



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i-'iotsta ta I* i-" 00 h- -i 



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totoit»qa-j-^eaoita M oo 05 moo gp 00 



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00- oim: CO 



01 4^ qs M to Qg • |<!^ . CO Ol Oi Oi o 



-qg» ts o 



1-1 1-1 ,-1 l-l l-i 1-1 to to *..*.. 05 00 . 
to 4^ .**■ to iO rfk Ol CT -<l H^ 00 >-' M l-t en 1*^ 

to « OS oi o CT 1^ *» w 00 jc f !C «e o to 



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ii3;oj, 



TWENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT. 
Colonel. 

1 Bat. 2 Bat. Total 

♦Charles Steckel 262 8—270 

Adam Hauer 68 142—210 

Lieutenant Colonel. 

*Peter Smith 40 127—167 

John Longabach 2 — 2 

First Major. 

*William Craig 218 —218 

John Stiner 104 —104 

Second Major. 

* Jonas Newhart 82 — 82 

John J. Hower 63—63 

THIRTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 
Colonel. 

*Peter Snyder 147 87—243 

Joseph Keller 1 — 1 



Lieutenant Colonel. 

♦David Smith 93 45—138 

Levi VanEtten 48— 48 

Joseph Lester 1 — 1 

First Major. 

*John Nyhart 116 —116 

Charles H. Heaney 37 — 37 

Joseph Diehl 26 —26 

George Slutter, Jr 2 — 2 

Second Major. 

*0. S. Dimmock 94— 94 

NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
Colonel. 

*W. H. Townsend 446 359—805 

Abraham Miller 434 31—465 

Lieutenant Colonel. 

♦Jacob Dech 327 297—624 

Joseph Dietrich 439 159—598 

First Major. 

*Evan Rees 465 —465 

Edward Seip 298 —298 

George B. Hineline 120 —120 

Second Major. 

* Jedadiah Weiss 279—279 

Tobias Rothrock 104 — 104 

140TH REGIMENT. 

Colonel. 

♦William Kessler 31 132—163 

Philip Haupt 64—64 

Lanty Shannon 31 — 31 

Lieutenant Colonel. 

♦Jonas Siegel 116—116 

Jacob D. Dietrich 59 —59 

John Eylenberger 29 — 29 

First Major. 

♦John R.Chambers 60 —60 

David Ayres 14 — 14 

Second Major. 

♦P. F. B. Schmidt 128—128 

Jacob Stauffer 63— 63 

MORGAN RIFLE BATTALION. 
Major. 

♦Abraham Andress 52 

F. A. Fickardt 15 

Samuel Wineland 1 

J. Weiss 1 

INDEPENDENT BATTALION. 
Major. 

♦Levi L. Loder 82 

John Berry 24 

John Bitters 5 

NATIONAL BATTALION. 
Major. 

♦Joseph Hillman 102 

Those marked thus^ are elected. 
JULY 4, 1835, 
was celebrated by the Mechanics of 
Easton. A silk badge in possession of 
the writer, bearing the impression of a 
printing press, was worn upon this oc- 
casion by the late Jacob Weygandt, Jr., 
of Easton. 

The announcement of the celebration 
is as follows: 



94 



"FOURTH OF JULY. 

"FIFTY-NINTH ANNIVERSARY OF 
OUR NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE. 

At a meeting held on the 5th inst. at 
the American Hotel it was resolved 
that the Mechanics of the borough of 
Easton celebrate the coming birthday 
of our Independence by holding a civic 
procession, each trade or occupation 
forming separately and carrying appro- 
priate banners, and that a general invi- 
tation be given to the citizens of the 
borough and its vicinity to participate 
with them on that day. 

"A committee from every branch was 
appointed to carry the above resolu- 
tions into effect. 

"At a meeting of the said committee 
held at the American Hotel on the 9th 
Instant the meeting was organized by 
appointing Capt. Hiram Yard chair- 
man, Eben Owen and J. P. Hetrich 
secretaries. 

"It was, on Luotion, resolved that Col. 
James M. Porter be requested to de- 
liver an oration and David Barnet 
reader of the Declaration of Independ- 
ence. 

"Resolved that Henry G. Kurts, Wil- 
liam Troxell, Eben Owen, William 
Bruce, Abraham Sigman and Thomas 
Bishop be a committee to provide 
music for the occasion. 

"It was, on motion, resolved that 
Jacob H. w liking, William Brown and 
F. W. Muller constitute a committee to 
invite and to convey to our borough on 
the 3d day of July Mr. John Lynn, a 
resident of Warren county, N. J., who 
is about 101 years old, and was a com- 
panion to our beloved Washington in 
their youthful days. 

"Eben Owen and Thomas Bishop 
tendered their services to provide 
uorses and carriages for the surviving 
soldiers of the Revolution. 

"It was resolved that the whole be 
conducted by field marshals, of which 
A. Miller was unanimously chosen 
chief; William Bruce, Hiram Yard, F. 
W. Muller and George Straub, assist- 
ants. 

"Jacob H. Wilking, William Brown 
and F. W. Muller were appointed a 
committee of arrangement. 

"On motion, resolved that the citi- 
zens of the borough be requested 
through the press to suspend business 
on said day. 

"At a meeting of the marshals held 
at the American Hotel the following 
order was agreed upon: 

"1st. The procession form in Bush- 
kill street, the right resting on Pomfret, 
and meet at 8 o'clock on the morning 
precisely, as the procession will move 
off fifteen minutes after eight. 



"The following was agreed upon as 
the course of the procession: Up Bush- 
kill to Hamilton, up Hamilton to North- 
ampton, up Northampton to the top of 
the hill, countermarch down North- 
ampton to Hamilton, down Hamilton 
to Ferry, down Ferry to Pomfret, down 
Pomfret to Spring Garden, down Spring 
Garden to l-ermer, down Fermer to 
Ferry, down Ferry to Water, up Water 
to Northampton, up Northampton to 
Hamilton, down Hamilton to Ferry, 
down Ferry to St. John's Church. The 
procession will enter the church, where 
a prayer will be offered up to the 
Throne of Grace by the Rev. Mr. Hecht. 
"1. Gun and Locksmiths. 
"2. Saddlers. 
"3. Tailors. 
"4. Coopers. 
"5. Hatters. 
"6. Millwrights. 
"7. Butchers. 
"8. Tobacconists. 
"9. Printers and Bookbinders. 

"10. Painters. 

"11. Cordwainers. 

"12. Boatbuilders. 

"13. Cabinetmakers. 

"14. Blacksmiths. 

"15. Tanners and Curriers. 

"16. Masons, Plasterers and Brick- 
layers. 

"17. Ropemakers. 

"18. Carpenters. 

"19. Coachmakers. 

"20. Stonecutters and Marble Masons. 

"21. Brushmakers. 

"22. Tinsmiths. 

"23. Watchmakers. 

"24. Brass and Ironfounders. 

"25. Brewers. 

"26. Confectioners and Bakers. 

"27. Weavers. 

"28. Citizens generally. 

"29. Members of the Town Council 
and other officers. 

"30. Members of the Bar. 

"31. Clergymen. 

"32. Orator of the day and reader of 
the Declaration. 

"33. Surviving soldiers of the Revo- 
lution. 

"It is hoped that all persons who in- 
tend joining the procession will be 
punctual in attending, and particularly 
to recollect the stations they have 
drawn, to prevent confusion and to 
save time; in consequence of another 
oration to be delivered in the same 
place at 11 o'clock, the procession will 
have no time to waste, and the differ- 
ent trades will form at some place they 
may think proper and march on the 
ground in a body. Let each trade have 
an understanding with themselves 
where they will meet — it will obviate 
much difficulty and confusion. From 



95 



their flags and badges their places can 
be assigned by the marshals without 
any delay. 

"The Declaration will be read by 
David Barnet and an oration delivered 
by James M. Porter, Esq. 

"A. MILLER, Chief Marshal. 
"F. W. MULLER, WM.BRUCE, 
"GEO. STRAUB, H. YARD, 

"Assistants." 



RITNER CELEBRATIONS ON JULY 
4, 1835. 

In addition to the Ritner parade, 
Ritner dinners and Ritner meetings 
were held in Easton and throughout 
the county. 

"The Democratic Whigs of old North- 
ampton celebrated the 4th of July (1835) 
at the house of William Shouse in a 
most splendid and republican manner. 
Such a great number of republicans at 
a public dinner in Easton had never 
been seen before. The oldest Demo- 
crats and Revolutionary heroes from 
many parts of the county honored the 
meeting with their presence, who had 
signalized themselves in the good old 
days of Jefferson and Simon Shnyder. 

"The meeting was organized by ap- 
pointing the following officers of the 
day: 

"Michael Messinger, Sr., of Forks 
township, President. 

"George Mann, of Lower Mt. Bethel, 
George Knecht, of Forks, Conrad Rei- 
ser, of Upper Mt. Bethel, and Joseph 
Jones, of Bethlehem, \ice Presidents. 

"Benjamin F. Arndt of Forks, and 
Peter Lerch, of Lower Saucon, secre- 
taries. 

"After this William Davis, Esq., of 
Easton, addressed the meeting for some 
time a very appropriate manner. 

"The dinner being ready, those of the 
meeting who could possiblyfind a place 
partook of it. The multitude of guests 
and the crowd was so great that many, 
however repeatedly the table was sup- 
plied, were compelled to go to other 
public houses. 

"When dinner was over the following 
toasts were drank." 

Thirteen regular toasts and sixty-six 
volunteer toasts were proposed and 
responded to. Those who responded 
to the volunteer toasts were the follow- 
ing: Charles Brittain, Ralph Funk, 
Michael Weaver, John Cressman, John 
S. Heller, Charles Werkheiser, John 
Merrill, Abraham Ealer, John Dawes, 
Edward A. Reeder, John Sandt, Abra- 
ham Mixsell, Edward Barnet, Edward 
B. Shimer, D. Eckert, Samuel Oliver, 
Thomas Shimer, John i . Moore, Samuel 
Shouse, Peter Lerch, John Green, Sam- 
uel Rinker, Peter Young, John Riegel, 



John Osterstock, William Lesher, W. H. 
Hemsing, Robert Depew, John Shick, 
George Taylor, Henry Hory, William 
Diehl, John H. Butz, John J. Cressman, 
P. F. B. Schmidt, James Conner, David 
Walter, Peter Diehl, Charles Laubach, 
Andrew Apple, Charles Kale, W. Davis, 
Charles Green, John Carpenter, John 
H. Barnet, John Eyerman, D. B. Oden- 
welder, J. Shug, Jesse Shipman, John 
Deichman, Joseph Barnet, John Op- 
dyke, Chas. Sweitzer, Christian Brown, 
Henry O. Sholes, C. B. Heller, S. Sny- 
der, Thomas Gwinner, John C. Mixsell, 
Samuel Yohe, Daniel K. Snyder, Daniel 
Witman, Frederick Lerch, Jacob Sherer 
and Abraham Osterstock. 

Several of the speakers responded 
twice, probably due to the length of the 
program and local conditions which 
need not be mentioned. Ritner and 
Wolf were, of course, the principal 
subjects dwelt upon in the speech- 
making. Specimens of the sentiments 
expressed are as follows: 

"By Charles Brittain — Joseph Ritner, 
the next Governor; he will appoint no 
justices of the peace until the people, 
and not the officeholders, ask for them. 

"Michael Weaver — Joseph Ritner, 
the Washington county farmer; may 
he be elected Chief Magistrate of the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at the 
ensuing general election. 

"John S. Heller — Joseph Ritner, the 
economical farmer of Vvashington coun- 
ly, opposed to oppressive taxation and 
not the friend of the prolific waste of 
the State fund, as is the case with 
George Wolf, the present incumbent. 

"Abraham Ealer — The next Governor 
— may he prove to be Joseph Ritner 
and as true as Joseph of old to King 
Pharoah. 

"John Dawes — Joseph Ritner, a star 
in tne West; the men of the East have 
seen its light and rejoiced at the bright- 
ness of its glory. 

"Edward A. Reeder — Joseph Ritner; 
Washington county proudly hails him 
as a favorite son; the sovereign people 
of Pennsylvania, with equal pride, 
claim him for their next Governor; let 
our motto be 'Ritner and Reform.' 

"John Sandt — Two terms, the old- 
fashioned Democratic rule; patent 
Democrats want three. 

"Abraham Mixsell — The farmers, the 
backbone and sinews of the country 
since the foundation of these united 
colonies; may they ever continue so to 
be and rally round the standard of the 
Washington county farmer, to show 
George Wolf and his host of office- 
holders that they will be governed by 
one who can manage the helm of state 
as well as the soil. 

"Edward Barnet — Joseph Ritner, a 



96 



practical farmer and a tried statesman — 
a man who has always been true to the 
interests of the people while in the 
counsels of the State; let us unitedly 
put our shoulders to the wheel, and, as 
in union there is strength, we shall 
triumphantly elect him to preside over 
the destinies of Pennsylvania. 

"Edward B. Shimer — Joseph Ritner, 
the supporter of the last war; when his 
country was invaded by a savage enemy 
he marched to its defence.while George 
Wolf, a full-blooded Federalist, staved 
at home and drank his grog. 

"D. Eckert — George Wolf, the whole- 
sale manufacturer of justices of the 
peace. 

"John Eyerman — The Constitution of 
Pennsylvania, rotation in office and 
strict accountability of State office- 
holders the best alteration and amend- 
ment of the Constitution. 

"Samuel Oliver — Joseph Ritner, the 
Washington county farmer, the second 
Simon Shnyder, highly esteemed by 
Democatic Whigs and only abused by 
Federalists and aristocratic officehold- 
ers in their foul presses. 

"Samuel Shouse — Let the Wolf run; 
his hair, his hide and his flesh are good 
for nothing. 

"John Riegel — The Wolf in sheep's 
clothing can never succeed. Hurrah 
for Ritner and the love of liberty! 

"William Lesher — George Wolf and 
Henry A. Muhlenberg; when the little 
magician, Martin VanBuren drew up 
the mortgage for the Albany regency 
on the State of Pennsylvania the one 
held the candle and the other the ink- 
stand. Will ye Democrats of Pennsyl- 
vania sanction such a disgraceful bar- 
gain and sale? Be it far from you. 

"Robert Depew— George Wolf's ad- 
ministration and the Commonwealth — 
a farm in bad hands; their expenses 
are greater than their harvests. 

"John Shick — George Wolf's school 
law, the death-blow to the German 
language in Pennsylvania. 

"John Deichman — Joseph Ritner, the 
Washington county farmer; may he be 
elected in the gubernatorial chair to 
remove the unjust and tyrannical 
school tax law and assist in the restor- 
ation of the old law, properly amended. 

"The Declaration of Independence 
was read by Jacob Weygandt in the 
usual happy manner of that gentle- 
man." 



Chester Flint, an indented apprentice 
to the painting, chairmaking and turn- 
ing business, ran away from Francis 
Jackson, the holder offered as a reward 

"A CLAMSHELL FULL OF PAINT. 
"REWARD. 

"The above reward will be paid for 
the recovery of an indented apprentice 
to the painting, chairmaking and turn- 
ing business named Chester Flint, who 
got the subscriber's leave of absence 
on the 20th of May last for eight or ten 
days, and, not having returned yet, said 
apprentice is considered a runaway, 
and the public are cautioned not to har- 
bor or credit him on my account, as no 
charges will be paid by me. He left 
here on a visit to see his relatives in 
Philadelphia. 

"FRANCIS JACKSON. 

"Easton, July 15, 1835." 



The announcement that at the work 
shops of Lafayette College were made 
by students windowsash, ploughs,Vene- 
tian blinds, trunks (the old-fashioned 
hair-covered kind, with the owner's ini- 
tials in brass-headed nails) is in strong 
contrast with the acquired accomplish- 
ments from the same institution of the 
present generation of students. 

"WINDOW SASH, PLOUGHS AND 
VENETIAN BLINDS. 

"For sale — window sash, as follows, 
viz.: 
8 inches by 10, per light, 4i/^ cents 

10 inches by 12, per light, 5i/4 cents 
13 inches by 14, per light, 61/^ cents 
Same, made of li/^-inch stuff, 8 cents 

"Also, a few Ploughs, Deel's patent 
cutters. 

"Also, Venetian window blinds of 
different sizes and prices. 

"All the above are warranted good. 

"It is hoped that builders or owners 
of buildings will find it their interest 
in giving us orders for worked floor 
boards, pannelled doors, Venetian win- 
dow shutters, &c. We think it rea- 
sonable, especially, that the farmers 
should encourage us with a share of 
their work, as we live by consuming 
their produce. 

"JOHNSON GODOWN, 

Business Agent. 

"Lafayette College, Sept. 9, 1835." 



In my earlier articles I made fre- 
quent reference to rewards offered for 
the apprehension of indentured appren- 
tices who had run away, xhe rewards 
usually were a small amount, practi- 
cally nominal, but in July, 1835, when 



OFFICIAL RETURNS OF THE GENE- 
RAL ELECTION IN NORTHAMP- 
TON COUNTY IN 1835. 
The denunciation of Wolf and the 
popularity of Ritner did not affect the 
loyalty of old Northampton to her son 
Wolf, but the State "went for Kitner" — 
influenced largely by the anti-Masonic 



97 



crusade then waging and the general 
opposition to a third term for Wolf, 
who had already occupied the office of 
Governor for two terms (1829-35): 

1835. Easton District. Total. 

Governor. 

George Wolf 698 3135 

Joseph Ritner 640 2560 

H. A. Muhlenberg 98 458 

Senate. 

Peter S. Michler 722 2615 

D. M. Brodhead 570 2572 

William Brown 115 794 

Assembly. 

N. A. Woodward 674 3049 

John Huston, Jr 659 3019 

Isaac Stout 728 3151 

C. E. Weygandt 578 2570 

Jacob Brown 609 2522 

Benjamin P. Arndt 683 2640 

John Riegle, Jr 598 2449 

Paul S. Preston 608 2460 

Daniel Raub 127 450 

George L. Slutter 90 507 

John D. Fraily 80 388 

Pope Bushnell 68 360 

Sheriff. 

Peter Young 624 2035 

Conrad Heckman 756 2129 

William Hackett 224 1061 

Peter Steckell 56 1069 

John Ziegenfuss 224 1037 

Charles L. Eberle 109 335 

Samuel Adams 158 5ol 

Peter Smith 15 402 

John Keller 52 815 

Jacob Freeman 62 703 

Commissioner. 

John Worman 426 1208 

Melchoir Horn 319 1337 

Thomas Sebring 227 1186 

Joseph Snyder 139 717 

Jacob Brotzman 202 879 

Coroners. 

Michael Kochler 596 2787 

F. Germantown 591 2749 

John S. Haman 421 1554 

Frederick Lerch 428 1563 

P. Odenwelder 78 446 

John Hartzel 76 447 

Auditors. 

John A. Innes 602 2771 

Jacob Saylor 440 1534 

Henry Albright 78 553 

Convention. 

For a convention 170 973 

No convention 713 2875 

Ritner was elected Governor, and it 
is told that when one of his children 
inquired of their mother whether they 
(the children) too were elected Gov- 
ernor, the mother replied: "No, only 
me and poppy!" 

One of the first acts of Governor Rit- 
ner was to commission the following in 
Northampton county: 

Rev. John A. Probst (father of your 



venerable citizen, Emelius F. Probst, 
Esq.), Recorder. 

B. F. Arndt, Clerk of Orphans' Court. 

Samuel Moore, Clerk of Quarter Ses- 
sions. 



HARRISON MEETING. 
When the late Benjamin Harrison, 
great-grandson of President William 
Henry Harrison, in 1888 received the 
nomination for the Presidency, those 
who had followed the banner of the 
Hero of Tippecanoe loomed up and 
with considerable pride followed the 
banner of him who wore his grand- 
father's hat. The candidacy of Gen. 
William Henry Harrison for the Presi- 
aency was advocated some years be- 
fore his election in 1840; in fact, he 
was the Whig candidate in 1836, when 
he was defeated by VanBuren, the 
Democrat, but in 1840 Harrison turned 
the tables on VanBuren by defeating 
him. Harrison was the idol of the 
Whigs of Northampton, as was Jackson 
of the Democrats. The following will 
show who were some of the followers 
of Jriarrisoa in 1835-'36: 

"HARRISON MEETING. 
"The Democratic citizens of the 
county of Northampton who approve of 
nominations by the people and are in 
favor of Major General William Henry 
Harrison, the hero of Tippecanoe, the 
conqueror of the British and Indian 
army on the Thames, the patriot, states- 
man and civilian, are requested to meet 
at the court house on Tuesday, the 17th 
of November, 1835 (court week), at 2 
p. m., to adopt such measures as may 
tend to promote his election to the 
office of President of the United States. 
Joseph Herster, William Shouse, 
Samuel Yohe, C. G. Vontagen, 

Benjamin Hinds, Josiah Davis, 
Joseph Dawes, John Keiter, 
Samuel Shouse, J. P. Hetrich, 
John Dawes, E. A. Reeder, 

Chas. Schweitzer, Samuel Shick, 



A. D. Vanatta, 
Enoch S. Clark, 
James Rusling, 
George Shick, 
Jacob Reese, 
David Moyer, 
William Ross, 

B. F. Warner, 
John Lehn, 



Alexander Grotz, 

Benjamin Walter, 
John Johnson, 

Oliver Bunstein, 
Charles Tilton, 

C. B. Heller, 
Joseph Barnet, 
J. H. Barnet, 

J. B. Hunt, 



W. J. M. Cammon, Peter Snyder, 
Samuel Moore, John Titus, 

Davis Gosner, M. Foreman, 

John Carey, Sr., John Opdycke, 
Abram Osterstock, James Conner, 
Abram Beidleman, S. C. Gwianer, 
George Taylor, Jacob Diehl, 
Solon Chapin, A. E. Brown, 

W. H. Hemsing, William G. Scott, 



98 



B. F. Davis, John H. Butz, 

H. S. Heckman, William Green, 
William Hamman, Nathan Reily, 
David Steidinger, John Stocker, 
William H. Pomp, Samuel Drinknouse, 
Geo. Luckenbach, M. Weaver, 
Jacob Moore, E. Romig, 

o. L. Reichart, John Green, Jr., 

Edward Walter, Benjamin Green, 
Elias Batt, M. Odenwelder, 

Thomas Meyer, Henry Bender, 
Davia Walter, John Moyers, 

John Laubach, C. A. Fickardt, 
William Young, R. Innes, 
D. Moyer (millw.), R. Innes, Jr., 



Isaac Gould, 

Peter Young, 

John Dehart, 

Peter Brown, 

J. H. Wilking, 

D. H. Snyder, 

John Frey, Jr., 

Peter S. Young, 

P. B. Kelchner, 

Wm. F. Wilking, 

Charles Kale, 

B. F. Arndt, 

Peter Uhler, 

Thomas Cawley, 

Louis Heller, 

Abr'm Dehart 

Jacob Frey, 

John P. Moore, 

William Vogel, 

Jacob Stansberry, 

Samuel Troxell, 

Henry J. Warner, J. Knecht, 

George Troxell, J. Eilenberger, 



Charles Innes, 

E. Sherman, 
Henry Hory, 

F. A. Fichardt, 
John Osterstock, 
Jesse Shipman, 

John Merrill, 
Adam Hawk, 
J. Weygandt, 
Wm. P. Spering, 
J. W. Kreidler, 
Jacob Saylor, 
Jacob Echart, 
Assor Roth, 
Daniel Witman, 

G. I. Colboth, 
S. Phillippe, 
Henry Horning, 
E. P. Wolle, 

Jacob Seigfried, 
John Smith, 



N. Solomon, 
Henry Hill, 
J. D. Mason, 
A. B. Meixsell, 
J. Sherrer. 
James Titus, 
Robert Depew, 
Wm. White, 
Peter Gross, 
H. P. Osborn, 
Saflauel Stroup, 



S. A. Clewell, 
Godfrey Belling, 
A. C. Miksch, 
Abr'm Knecht, 
C. Bellisfield, 
J. Heller, 
Michael Heller, 
John Ward, 
Valentine Weaver, 
John Shively, 
Henry Desh. 



Easton, Nov. 11, 1835. 



STAGE LINES TO NEW YORK AND 
PHILADELPHIA. 

"Arrival and Departure. 

"To and from the Easton Hotel. 

"The line of stages for New York, 
by way of Morristown, leave every 
morning (Sundays excepted) at 4 
o'clock, and arrive the same evening. 
Fare through $3. 

"From Reading, every Monday, Wed- 
nesday and Friday morning at iVz 
o'clock, and return every Tuesday, 
Thursday and Saturday evening. Fare 



to Reading $3, and fare through to Har- 
risburg $4. 

"To Philadelphia, via. New-Hope and 
Morrisville, every morning, and return 
the same evening, fare through $2.75. 
WILLIAM WHITE, Agent." 

Easton, Nov. 25, 1835. 



99 



HISTORICAL SKETCHESRELATING 
TO EASTON AND NORTHAMP- 
TON COUNTY, PA., AND 
THEIR INHABITANTS. 



Miscellaneous Local Events In 1836. 



NEW SERIES— NO. 8. 



Contributed by Etnan A. Weaver. 



The year 1836 was ushered in by a 
heavy fall of snow — the heaviest that 
had been witnessed in your locality for 
many years. The storm commenced 
on Friday, January 8th, and the snow 
continued to fall in great flakes with- 
out intermission until Sunday morning, 
the IGth. The depth of the snow on 
Sunday was upwards of two feet on the 
level, and, in considering the immedi- 
ately preceding rain and watery state 
of the surface of the ground, the resi- 
dents felt warranted in saying that fully 
three feet of snow fell in the borough 
of Easton. 

About this time began the excitement 
which lasted tor several years, and con- 
cerning which I will refer to later — 
that is, the cultivation of the "morus 
multicaulis," or mulberry tree, as food 
for silkworms — fortunes having been 
promised, but not realized, in the ex- 
periment of silk production, which 
proved expensive to many. The de- 
scendants of the "morous" can yet be 
seen in localities on College Hill, where 
considerable attention was given to the 
subject by the college, which at that 
time combined manual labor wiui men- 
tal training. The following was the 
initial movement for a silk company 
in Easton: 

Pursuant to a call published in the 
"Northampton Whig," a meeting of 
citizens was held at the house of Sam- 
uel Adams, innkeeper, in Easton, on 
the 16th of January, 1836, when James 
M. Porter was called to the chair and 
Joseph Barnet appointed secretary. 

On motion, it was 

Resolved, That it is expected to form 
a silk company for the county of North- 
ampton, pursuant to an act of 4th of 
April, A. D. 1832, to be called "The 
Northampton Silk Company." 

Resolved, That William Hackett,Wil- 
liam Brown and John Dawes be a com- 
mittee to draft articles of association 
and report the same to a subsequent 
meeting to be held on Saturday even- 
ing, the 30th of January instant. 

J. M. PORTER, Chairman. 

JOSEPH BARNET. Secretary. 



PUBLIC BATH HOUSES. 

On the south side of the Bushkill, 
near Fermor (Second) street, stood, 
and may yet be standing, a building 
which during my residence in Easton, 
a quarter of a century ago, was known 
as the "bath house," the use of which 
for purposes next to godliness had long 
before been abandoned, as the building 
was then going to decay. 

This public institution was first an- 
nounced in the following notice: 

"The subscriber proposes to open 
his bath house on the first day of April 
next, provided sufficient encouragement 
is given to warrant him in devoting his 
whole time and attention to it. To as- 
certain which, he respectfully solicits 
those persons who are desirous to en- 
courage him, and whose intention it is 
to become regular visitors, to call upon 
him before the 15th day of April next, 
and become subscribers for a year, 
under the following conditions: 

"1st. The bath house to be open daily 
from the first day of April next until 
the first day of October. 

"2d. During the winter it will be 
open twice a week while the weather is 
favorable, on such days as will best 
suit a majority of the visitors. 

"3d. The terms will be five dollars 
lor a ticket to admit the bearer for one 
year from tne first day of April next, 
and twenty-five cents for a single bath. 

"The subscriber is determined to 
satisfy all who may favor him with a 
call. He has made arrangements to 
furnish his visitors with rooms and 
refreshments of all kinds, and is deter- 
mined that neither pains or expense 
shall be spared to render a visit to his 
establishment pleasant and agreeable. 
"JOSEPH SNYDER. 

"March 16, 1836." 

FRESHET OF '36. 

In the annals of Easton frequently 
appear references to the freshets which 
have visited that locality in the past, 
and personal recollections of many of 
these were exchanged at Youell's 
Arcade, on Northampton street, and its 
modern location on the "river front," 
in the tollhouse at the old Delaware 
river bridge and in other localities 
where the oldest residents were in the 
habit of gathering and giving their 
reminiscences, often covering many 
years, for at one period of which I 
have knowledge many old men, born 
and brought up in Easton, were living 
there. 

"On Saturday last [April £, 1836] we 
had a warm rain and a southerly wind, 
the result of which was that the waters 
of our rivers rose to the height of 



100 



about twenty-three feet, which over- 
flowed the canal banks in several 
places. Some injury has no doubt been 
done to it, but doubtless not so much 
as the fears of many anticipated. 

"The freshet is the highest we have 
had since 1814. We have heard of but 
little injury being sustained (as there 
was no ice and comparatively but little 
driftwood) except the destruction of 
the bridge over the Delaware at the 
flourishing village of Belvidere, twelve 
miles above this place. The bridge was 
just completed, and it is said that it 
was occasioned by two trees lodging 
against one of the piers, which acted 
as sawyers and detached some of the 
stones from it and finally threw down 
the pier. Its cost was $16,000. The 
wreck floated past this place on Mon- 
day afternoon between four and five 
o'clock. The water has fallen several 
feet." 



"EASTON MUSEUM. 

"The subscriber, grateful for past en- 
couragement, has the pleasure of an- 
nouncing to the citizens of Easton and 
the public generally that he has moved 
his Museum to Northampton street, 
next door above the sign of the Swan, 
where he will be very happy to wait on 
all who think proper to call. 

"The exhibition is the same as here- 
tofore advertised, with the addition of 
two beautiful figures representing Alex- 
ander the Great visiting Diogenes, the 
philosopher, the former in armor, ac- 
cording to the Grecian style. Like- 
wise, a loon shot by Mr. W. W. Wood- 
ring and a beautiful black Eagle, pre- 
sented by Mr. Hammann. 

"Admittance, 12% cents; children 
under 10 years of age, half price. 

"Open from 9 o'clock a.m. until 9 p.m. 
"CHARLES SCHENCK. 

"Easton, April 13, 1836." 



PORTRAIT PAINTER. 

Many of the old families of Easton 
possess portraits painted by Moon, who 
was considered an accurate painter of 
portraits, and his work will be found 
not only in Easton, but throughout the 
State and adjoining States. I wish a 
catalogue of his paintings did exist — 
perhaps it does? 

"REMOVAL. 

"S. Moon, Portrait and Miniature 
Painter, has removed from the stone 
house -n the Square to the large brick 
house owned by Madam Penoe, nearly 
opposite the Easton Bank, first door 
up stairs. 

"Easton, April 13, 1836." 



"NEW EAGLE LINE OF COACHES 
FROM EAisrON TO PHILA- 
DELPHIA 
To commence on Sunday, May the 1st, 
1836, and to continue to run regularly 
every day, via Bethlehem, Coopersburg, 
Quakertown, Montgomery Square and 
Germantown. 

"This line will leave Easton every 
morning at half-past 4 o'clock, break- 
fast at Bethlehem and arrive early in 
the afternoon in Philadelphia. 

"At Bethlehem it will intersect the 
line from Nazareth and at Coopersburg 
the line from Allentown. 

"Office in Easton at Wm. White's 
Easton Hotel. 

"Returning, the line will leave 
Philadelphia every morning also, com- 
mencing on Sunday, May 1st, 1836, at 
half-past 6 o'clock (after breakfast), 
dine at Quakertown and arrive at 6 
o'clock p. m. in Easton. 

"OflSce in Philadelphia at Harker's 
Golden Swan, Third, near Arch street, 
and at Jacob Bush's Bald Eagle, North 
Third, above Callowhill, street. 

"Proprietors — W. C. Livingston, 
Charles Seagreaves, Peter Cooper, 
Jacob Kern, George Weaver, Jacob 
Bush and others. 

"WM. WHITE, Agent, Easton. 

"T. H. MORGAN, Agent Bethlehem. 

"JOHN F. RUHE, Agent, Allentown, 

"WM. CRAIG, Agent, Nazareth. 

"J. M. HARKER, Agent, Philadelphia. 

"April 27, 1836." 



VAN BUREN MEETING. 

"On Thursday last [May 19, 1836] 
the VanBuren young men of the coun- 
ty, agreeably to the orders of their 
drill officers, attempted to hold a meet- 
ing in the court house for the purpose 
of appointing delegates to the federal 
convention to be held at Harrisburg 
on the 4th of July next. The bell was 
rang and re-rang, and, notwithstanding 
its being battalion training day, and 
our town full of people, the meeting 
proved to be a miserable failure, there 
being but twenty-six persons — commit- 
tee, officers and all — present. The 
leaders, by loud talking and bravado, 
attempted to make some show of 
strength, but, " alas! poor Yorick," 
their days are numbered. 

"The committee of six reported some 
resolutions in favor of VanBuren and 
his wool-growing friend of the 'Great 
Crossings,' which were read by a young 
man who seemed to take great delight 
in abusing and villifying Gen. Harri- 
son, or, as he is denominated in the 
resolutions, the 'petticoat candidate.' 
We could not help thinking, young 
man, what might have been your fate 



101 



if, when you wore the petticoat gar- 
ments of childhood, we had not had 
such men as Harrison to repel and 
hurl back the storm of British and 
Indian warfare, which, like a tornado, 
threatened to overwhelm our land with 
blood and devastation. 

"The 'still small voice' in which the 
resolutions were responded to, together 
with the long array of empty benches, 
clearly proved that VanBuren and 
Johnson are no favorites with the peo- 
ple of Northampton, and the efforts of 
a disconcerted few to stem the onward 
march of Harrison and Granger will 
prove utterly unavailing." 



The first competitive transportation 
line between waston and Philadelphia 
was that inaugurated by the comple- 
tion of the Delaware Division Canal 
from Easton to Bristol: 
"UNION LINE FOR PHILADELPHIA 

BY CANAL FREIGHT AND PAC- 
KET BOAT 'GAZEL'— FARE, 
THROUGH, $2.50. 

"The 'Gazel' will leave Easton at 4 
o'clock a. m. on Mondays, Wednesdays 
and Fridays for Morrisville; from 
thence passengers will take the cars to 
Bristol and the steamboat from Bristol 
arriving in Philadelphia at 5.30 o'clock 
p. m. Returning, will leave Morris- 
ville on the arrival of the morning cars 
on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 
and arrive in Easton early in the after- 
noon. 

"Merchants wishing to have goods 
brought from the city can do so by ap- 
plying at the office, No. 23 South Third 
street, sign of the Robinson Crusoe; 
or, taken to the city by applying at Mr. 
William White's Hotel, Easton, or on 
board the boat. Hours for starting 
from Philadelphia are 6 o'clock a. m. 
by steamboat and 6.30 by railroad. 
"J. H. HELLINGS & CO., 

"June 1, 1836. Proprietors." 



MISSES LORRAIN'S BOARuiNGAND 
DAY SCHOOL, EASTON, PA. 
"The course of instruction in this 
institution embraces all the branches 
of a useful Ehglish education. The 
system is that of a division of labour, 
and the instruction is simplified by 
familiar explanation. The books used 
are those which have been tested by 
the experience of the most approved 
schools, and the pupils are classed ac- 
cordingly to their proficiency. The 
studies pursued are orthography, read- 
ing, writing, geography, grammar, 
arithmetic, history (modern and 
ancient), composition, philosophy 
(natural and mental), botany, chemis- 
try and evidences of Christianity. 



Plain and ornamental sewing are 
taught in the institution, but it is op- 
tional with the pupils pursuing the 
higher studies to sew during recita- 
tions. Terms for the first class, in- 
cluding all the above named branches, 
with French, $8. This class will com- 
mence at 8 o'clock and close at 1. 
Terms for the second class, as usual, $4- 
Junior class, $3. The hours of tuition 
also remaining unchanged. Drawing 
and painting, $5. Music, $6. 

"Boarding, including the plain Eng- 
lish branches, $125 per annum. No 
pupil taken for a less term than three 
months, and one month's notice re- 
quired before leaving the school. 

"Easton, June 15, 1836." 



The Easton Museum kept up with 
the times, and its proprietor was al- 
ways looking about for new attractions 
for the entertainment of your citizens 
and visiting neighbors, as the following 
announcement shows: 

'The proprietor, in honor of the 4th 
of July, has just completed a perfect 
likeness of Gen. Jackson, and has also 
engaged the celebrated ventriloquist, 
Mr. Seaman,who will perform six times 
that day, having filled up the lecture 
room with more scenery and automa- 
ton figures for the purpose. Mr. Sea- 
man is a curiosity in himself, inde- 
pendent of his matchless powers, hav- 
ing but one joint to each finger, and 
scarcely four feet in height, and yet he 
paints and writes with facility, speci- 
mens of which will be exhibited at the 
Museum. He will give an entire new 
treatise on the nature and powers of 
his art, and will illustrate by sending 
his voice to all parts of the house, imi- 
tating several characters at once, and 
expose the manner in which some pre- 
tenders have palmed themselves upon 
the public as ventriloquists in this and 
other places. He will make his voice 
appear to issue from an adjoining 
apartment, talking and singing alter- 
nately, while every visible muscle of 
his face will be in perfect repose. His 
wooden figures will also converse with 
any of the company, and sing several 
innocent and amusing ditties. Addi- 
tional music and decorations, with ex- 
tra illumination. 

Admittance, each 12 1^ cents. 

"Easton, June 29, 1836." 



Whoever has one of these piano 
fortes, has an antique. 

"PIANO FORTE 
MANUFACTORY. 

THE SUBSCRIBER Respectfully in- 
forms the public that he continues the 



102, 



above business at the old stand be- 
tween Bethlehem and Nazareth, seven 
miles from Easton, at the village of 
Newburg. He manufactures. 

PIANO FORTES 
of a new and much improved style, 
and warrants his work to be made of 
the best materials, and not surpassed 
in beauty and appearance. Pianos al- 
ways on hand and for sale, on reason- 
able terms. Orders will be thankfully 
received and promptly attended to. 
"HENRY HECKMAN. 
"May 18, 1836-3m." 



FOURTH OF JULY, 1836. 

With the approach of the 4th of July, 
1836, arrangements were made for its 
proper celebration, and a meeting of 
the friends of Harrison and Granger, 
the candidates of the people for Presi- 
dent and Vice President, convened at 
the house of S. Adams on June 29th, 
when it was resolved that the Revolu- 
tionary soldiers residing in this vicinity 
be notified by the committee of ar- 
rangements to unite in celebrating the 
day. 

A sumptuous dinner was partaken of 
at Samuel Adams' Hotel on the even- 
ing of July 4th. 

Gen. Mathias Gress, a soldier of the 
Revolution, was appointed president 
and John Carey, Sr., a soldier of the 
Revolution, Michael Messinger, Sr., 
Joseph Rossley and Conrad Schweitzer 
vice presidents, and John Riegel, Peter 
Gross and Benjamin Riegel secretaries. 

After the Declaration of Independ- 
ence was read by F. A. Fickardt, Esq., 
A. E. Brown, Esq., addressed the as- 
sembly at some length with his usual 
flow of good spirits and eloquence. 

Some of the toasts drank on this oc- 
casion were: 

B. F. Arndt — Joseph Ritner, our wor- 
thy Governor; under his wise and eco- 
nomical administration the reign of 
corruption and prodigality is destroyed 
and Pennsylvania restored to its ex- 
alted character among the union of 
States. 

Charles Kale — The Governor of 
Pennsylvania, the farmer and states- 
man; may the remaining States of the 
Union look at his administration and 
say, "Pennsylvania has arrived at the 
height of democracy, and we will join 
in with her and elect Gen. W. H. Harri- 
son to the Presidency of the United 
States, and then we will have the 
democracy ot the Union at its acme." 

Jacob Weygandt — Party distinctions ; 
when founded upon patriotic principles 
they tend to perpetuate the welfare 
and existence of a republic, but when 
their distinguishing characteristic is a 



blind adherence to men, without regard 
to measures, they are dangerous to 
liberty. 

By a citizen — The memory of Gen. 
Knox, Greene, Wayne, Hamilton, Mont- 
gomery and Washington; may their 
deeds never be forgotten by a grateful 
people. 



About this time the construction 
of the Bushkill bridge at the north end 
of Third street was begun, as the fol- 
lowing announcement will show: 

"We perceive that our enterprising 
townsman, James M. Porter, Esq., is 
proceeding with vigor in the erection 
of the bridge over the Bushkill creek, 
A large quantity of stone has been 
quarried and the workmen are already 
preparing for the erection of the arches. 
Under the management of the public 
spirited contractor of this work we feel 
confident that we shall have a bridge 
which for beauty and durability will 
not be surpassed by any in the State. 
With the noble structure across the 
Delaware on our east and the chaste 
and beautiful fabric over the Lehigh on 
our south side, we will have, when this 
work is completed, a monument of 
lasting gratification to the lovers of 
architecture in our goodly borough. 
They are a just and merited tribute in 
praise of the public spirit existing 
among us." 



TOURISTS PASS THROUGH EASTON 

"The traveling season has com- 
menced, and numerous citizens of 
Philadelphia and New York have made 
their appearance amongst us, not at 
all to the dissatisfaction of our stage 
proprietors and tavernkeepers, whose 
enlarged and increased means of ac- 
commodation, we trust, will make them 
comfortable. 

"There has been considerable visit- 
ing to the Delaware Water Gap, which 
has deservedly become a fashionable 
place of resort, and which the roman- 
tic and magnificent scenery of the 
place and the very superior accommo- 
dations of our friend Snyder, of the 
Water Gap House, are sure to gratify 
and delight all who visit that beautiful 
spot. 

"Schooley's Mountain Springs is also 
a delightful place of resort during the 
warm weather, and we can assure the 
public that Mr. Hinchman, the pro- 
prietor of Belmont Hall, spares no 
pains or expense to render that estab- 
lishment worthy of patronage." 

[July 20, 1836.] 



Fortune-seekers after imaginary es- 
tates in the mother country flourished 



103 



then (1836) as now: 

"NOTICE, 

"All those by the name of Bovee liv- 
ing in the United States are requested 
to pay the postage on all letters direct- 
ed to me on account of the legacy de- 
pending in Holland, for I am a broken 
merchant. PHILIP BOVEE. 

"N. B. — All editors are requested to 
shove this notice ahead of their respec- 
tive papers, so those of the above name 
will stop their enquiring capers. 

Easton, August 31, 1836." 



NEW MILITARY COMPANY IN EAS- 
TON. 
"On Monday last [August 8, 1836] a 
new volunteer corps, called the 'Nation- 
al Guards,' was inspected at the house 
of Jacob Shipe; after the inspection 
Samuel Yohe, Esq., was elected Cap- 
tain, George W. Barnet First Lieuten- 
ant and Daniel H. Snyder Second Lieu- 
tenant. The company is already strong 
in numbers, and the sample uniform 
which was exhibited is one of the rich- 
est we ever saw; and, judging from the 
known enterprise and intelligence of 
the young men who compose the 
'Guards,' we venture to predict that 
tney will not be surpassed by any com- 
pany in the State." 



GOVERNOR RITNER'S VISIT TO 
EASTON. 

"Governor Ritner and the Secretary 
of the Commonwealth, Thomas H. Bur- 
rows, Esq., arrived in this place on 
Saturday last [Sept. 10, 1836] and took 
lodgings at White's Hotel. They left 
here yesterday morning for the seat 
of government, by way of Nazareth, 
Bethlehem and Allentown. The Gov- 
ernor is an active, business-like man, 
and while here he was never idle. On 
the Sabbath he attended our churches, 
and on Monday he took a view of the 
State improvements at this end of the 
Delaware Canal, visited the flourishing 
village of South Easton and in the af- 
ternoon, by invitation, he accompanied 
a committee to Lafayette College. His 
Excellency expressed his highest gra- 
tiflcation at the good order and syste- 
matic arrangement of everything per- 
taining to the institution. He was 
called upon at the hotel by crowds of 
his fellow citizens from the town and 
country, all of whom were delighted 
with the intelligence and republican 
deportment of the 'Farmer of Wash- 
ington.' 

"The VanBuren presses v/ill no doubt 
continue to slander our worthy Chief 
Magistrate and stigmatize him with 
the epithet of stupid Dutchman, but 



the intelligent Germans who till the 
soil in this section of the State, and 
have seen and conversed with the Gov- 
ernor, will frown upon their vile at- 
tempts to calufhniate so distinguished a 
citizen." 



In the first Harrison campaign Eas- 
ton was honored in having as the Whig 
candidate for Congress the late Judge 
Jacob Weygandt, whose party, how- 
ever, was a hopeless minority, and he 
was defeated. It is interesting to note 
that this minority was overcome for 
the first time, sixty years afterwards, 
in the year 1896, when Judge Wey- 
gandt's great-grandnephew. Judge Wil- 
liam S. Kirkpatrick, broke the long 
and continuous Democratic representa- 
tion in Congress by being the first Re- 
publican ever elected to this body from 
the district in which you are located. 

"JACOB WEYGANDT. 

"The gentleman whose name stands 
at the head oi the ticket has been long 
and advantageously known to the citi- 
zens of this congressional district. As 
the editor of a paper supporting the 
best interests of Pennsylvania he was 
for many years distinguished by the 
able, talented and energetic course 
which he pursued. The faithful guar- 
dian of the people's right, holding his 
course for their interestss alone, 
he commanded the confidence of that 
portion of the people amongst whom 
his talents and influence were exerted. 
As an able, active and efficient magis- 
trate he has had no superior and few 
equals. In his political course he has 
ever been distinguished for stern un- 
yielding integrity — he has never sacri- 
ficed what he knew was right, for the 
sake of political expediency, nor 
courted political favor by the abandon- 
ment of political principles. In point 
of talent and qualifications for the high 
station to which his friends are anx- 
ious to advance him, we do not think 
we hazard too much when we say that 
he IS far superior to the gentleman to 
whom he is opposed. 

"We confidently ask you friends and 
fellow-citizens to make your election 
and record your votes in favor of the 
friend of Pennsylvania principles and 
Pennsylvania interests — in favor of 
one who disregarding the clamors of 
party, will support the rights of his 
native State, and will record his votes 
in favor of those views of State policy 
which will be of inestimable value to 
you when party strife shall have 
passed away and been forgotten." 

[September 21, 1836.] 



104 



CAMPAIGN ITEMS OF THE FALL 
OF 1836. 

Federal Peace Party — Anti-Pennsyl- 
vania Consolidation — Executive Dic- 
tation — Amalgamation — Lynch — Cable 
Tow, Hiram Abiff — New York Regency 
— Aaron Burr — Little Cheat — Stump 
Tail — Ring streaked and speckled — 
Office Hunting — "Hand Kase" — KruH 
Kopp" Ticket. 

[Democratic Ticket.] 

Congress — David D. Wagener. 

Assembly — William L. Sebring, 
Abraham Shurtz and Joseph Herst. 

Commissioner — Philip Odenwelder. 

Auditor — Joseph Dietrich. 
[Whig Ticket] 

Congress — Jacob Weygandt, of Eas- 
ton. 

Assembly — Jacob Saylor, of Forks; 
Henry Bauman, of Towamensing, and 
William VanBuskirk, of Stroud. 

Commissioner — James J. Horner, of 
Allen. 

Auditor — James Leibert, of Bethle- 
hem. 

Judge Weygandt, in addition to his 
candidacy for Congress, was one of the 
Electors named on the Harrison- 
Granger (Whig) ticket. 

"THE ELECTION. 

"On Ttiesday next the Freemen of 
this county and Congressional District 
will be called upon to select from the 
following tickets individuals to fill the 
respective important offices for which 
they have been placed in nomination. 

"On the careful exercise of this im- 
portant trust depends the preservation 
of our liberties. The gentlemen placed 
before you by the friends of Ritner, 
Harrison and Granger are all known to 
you as honest and capable, and have 
in every respect the strongest claims 
upon your support. They are the 
frineds of good order and the unyield- 
ing spporters of the Constitution and 
the Laws. We need not to ask the citi- 
zens of Northampton to compare the 
merits of the candidates on our ticket 
with those of the Federal Peace Party 
Ticket, headed with D. D. Wagener. 

"Now is the time for action. Go to 
the Polls on Tuesday next and vote the 
ticket headed with Jacob Weygandt, 
Esq., for Congress, and you will send 
to the National and State LfCgislatures 
men who will faithfully represent the 
best interests of their constituents." 

The official returns of the election 
were as follows: 

Official Return of Northampton County 
1836. 
Congress. 

Easton Total 

David D. Wagener 741 2154 

Jacob Weygandt 401 1012 



Assembly. 

Abraham Shortz 716 2155 

William L. Sebring 734 2154 

Joseph Hirst 715 2133 

Jacob Saylor 424 1021 

Henry Bauman 412 1002 

William VanBuskirk 409 1035 

Commissioner. 

Philip Odenwelder 180 690 

J acob Brotzman 594 1420 

James J. Horner 382 1078 

Auditor. 

Joseph Dietrich 690 2075 

James Leibert 373 1096 

[The Whig, October 19. 1836.] 



VISIT OF PRESIDENT WILLIAM 
HENRY HARRISON TO EASTON 
DURING HIS FIRST PRESI- 
DENTIAL CAMPAIGN. 



His Reception in Easton, Bethlehem 
and Allentown. 

"On Saturday evening [October 1, 
1836] this distinguished gentleman 
arrived in this place. It was announced 
in the morning that Gen. Harrison 
would probably arrive that evening, 
and a committee of invitation was 
appointed to escort him into town. At 
10 o'clock in the morning a train of 
three or four coaches, each drawn by 
four elegant grays, with tasty flags and 
banners, left here for New Jersey, in 
search of the welcome guest. At 11.30 
o'clock in the evening the thundering 
of our cannons from Mt. Jefferson an- 
nounced his approach, and, although so 
late in the night, the public square was 
thronged with hundreds to greet him 
on his arrival. 

Never, since the days of Lafayette, 
have we witnessed anything so impos- 
ing or so splendid as his reception. 
The court house and White's Hotel 
were brilliantly illuminated to the roof 
—an elegant colossal transparency of 
the General placed in full view — whilst 
amia the roaring of cannon and the 
exnilarating music of a full military 
band the crowd sent forth a cheer that 
rent the air with its deafening wel- 
come. 

"During the whole of the next day, 
with the exception of the intervals 
spent by the General in its appropriate 
exercises, his room was crowded with 
a constant stream of visitors, and 
never were men better pleased with 
the object of their attentions. The 
mechanics and the farmers vied with 
each other in taking the hero by the 
hand and in expressing their gratifica- 
tion. 

"At 6 o'clock on Monday morning 
the General, accompanied by the com- 
mittee and a large escort of carriages. 



105 



filled with citizens anxious to attend 
on him, left here for Bethlehem. Be- 
fore his arrival at that place he was 
met by a deputation of its citizens and 
the excellent band which had greeted 
him at Easton. The band struck up 
"Hail Columbia," and, headed by the 
citizens, the train entered the town. 
Here language cannot paint the 
warmth and hospitality of the recep- 
tion. The large hotel was thronged. 
After an excellent breakfast the Gene- 
ral, accompanied by a committee of 
citizens from Allentown, proceeded on 
his way to that place. The street was 
now filled with carriages of every de- 
scription, and far back in the rear 
came on a cavalcade of horsemen. 
Some distance this side of Allentown 
the Old General was met by the staff 
officers of Lehigh county, the volun- 
teers and band of Allentown, and the 
whole procession (for, in fact, it had 
become one) entered that flourishing 
village. Here an immense concourse 
had also assembled in front of the 
hotel, at wnich the General halted, to 
hear an eloquent and appropriate ad- 
dress to the old soldier by Charles 
Davis, Esq. The General's reply was 
listened to with breathless attention. 
It was manly, energetic and fluent. It 
was all his warmest friends could wish, 
and at once gave him rank with all 
who heard him as one of the most 
efficient speakers of the day. At Al- 
lentown so many thronged to see him 
and offer congratulations of friendly 
and honest hearts that at least two 
hours were consumed before he was 
able to recommence his route. 

"At Allentown, as our informant 
states, the General also received a 
committee of invitation from Pottsville, 
who would listen to no refusal and 
compelled him, reluctantly, to consent 
to deviate from his intended route 
after his arrival at Reading. 

"From all we have seen and heard, 
from the wide and universally favor- 
able impression the Hero of the 
Thames and Tippecanoe has every- 
where made, from the soulfelt warmth 
and enthusiasm everywhere exhibited 
wherever Gen. Harrison has been seen, 
from every evidence of public feeling 
in Pennsylvania, we are led to the irre- 
sistible conclusion that she has 
spurned the treacherous VanBuren and 
made choice of the war-worn veteran — 
the brave defender of his country, the 
hero, the patriot and the stateman, 
tue upright and noble Harrison, the 
man whom she thinks best calculated 
to maintain the dignity of the States 
and the integrity of the constitution." 

In connection with the above, it is 
interesting to relate that Gen. Harri- 



son's grandson, the late President Ben- 
jamin Harrison, visited Easton upon 
more than one occasion a few years 
previous to his election to^ the Presi- 
dency of the United States. 

FIRST COMMENCEMENT OF LA- 
FAYETTE COLLEGE. 

"The first commencement for confer- 
ring degrees by this institution was 
held at this place on the 22d instant 
[September, 1836]. 

"At 10 o'clock a. m. a large propor- 
tion of the intelligence of our popula- 
tion was assembled at the Presbyterian 
Church to see and hear all that was to 
be seen and heard on this most inter- 
esting occasion. 

"After music from the choir and a 
prayer by Dr. Junkin, President of the 
college, William Rawle, Esq., of Phila- 
delphia, the orator of the day, deliv- 
ered an address, of the style and mat- 
ter of which there was but one opinion 
— it was excellent, and to those who 
had not the pleasure to hear we can 
say, read it and duly appreciate its 
contents. 

"The candidates recently composing 
the senior class then delivered original 
addresses in the following order: Mr. 
Nathaniel B. Smithers, of Maryland, 
in English; Mr. David Moore, of Ches- 
ter county, in Latin and Greek; Mr. 
George W. Kidd, of Maryland, in Eng- 
lish, and Mr. James B. Ramsay, of 
Philadelphia, the valedictory, in Eng- 
lish. 

"Dr. Junkin then delivered an ad- 
dress to the graduates, after conferring 
upon them the degree of Bachelor of 
Arts, and it was then announced that 
tfte following honorary degrees had 
been conferred: 

"Doctor of Divinity upon the Rev. 
John G. Herman, of Nazareth, and 
upon the Rev. John Witherspoon, of 
South Carolina. 

"Doctor of Laws upon the Hon. Jos. 
R. Ingersoll, of Philadelphia. 

"The intervals were filled by music 
from the choir, among which was an 
original ode for the occasion, composed 
by a lady of Easton. 

"The ceremony closed by a benedic- 
tion from President Junkin. 

"In the evening we learn that the 
undergraduates occasioned lots of fun 
and amusement by their performance 
at the College Hall to a large and over- 
flowing auditory, of numerous diar 
logues, &c." 

The last surviving member of the 
class of 1836 died within the past year. 

In connection with the graduating, 
in '36, of the first class from Lafayette 
College, I am reminded that the college 



106 



secured its first president, members of 
its first faculty and its first students 
from the Pennsylvania Manual Labor 
Academy, at Germantown — in point of 
fact, the opening of Lafayette saw the 
transplanting of the academy almost 
in its entirety to Easton. It was found- 
ed in 1830, and its operations at Ger- 
mantown ceased in 1833. The two 
literary societies of Lafayette — the 
Washington (first named the Philoma- 
thean) and the Franklin — were organ- 
ized at the academy before its transfer 
of operations to Easton. It was organ- 
ized as an institution to aid young men 
for the ministry, and the manual labor 
feature was introduced for health and 
economy. The teachers and pupils 
taught Sunday school classes in the 
outlying districts— a Christian work 
which followed them to their new 
locality at Easton. and continues, I be- 
lieve, to this day — a period of seventy 
years. A pupil in one of these Sunday 
schools, at Roxborough, Philadelphia, 
was the late Hon. Horatio Gates Jones, 
a learned lawyer, historian and gene- 
alogist, and a vice president of the 
Historical Society of Pennsylvania,who 
related how he thirty years afterwards 
met his former Sunday school teacher. 
Rev. Charles P. McCay, LL.D. Dr. 
McCay was one of those who followed 
Dr. Junkin to Easton and became pro- 
fessor of mathematics at Lafayette. 
He afterwards was president of the 
University of South Carolina, and died 
several years ago, at an advanced age, 
in Baltimore, Md. Rev. George Jun- 
kin, the principal of the academy, had 
tried the system in a small way in his 
parish at Milton, Pa., and his heart was 
in the scheme. When Dr. Junkin was 
called to the presidency of Lafayette 
he tried the manual labor there — both 
in its location on the south side of the 
Lehigh and on the heights overlooking 
the Bushkill. He gave money and toil 
to carry on the system, but when he 
resigned to accept the presidency of 
Miami University the system was aban- 
doned. 

At the northeast corner of Main 
street (Germantown avenue) and Wal- 
nut lane, Germantown, the main build- 
ing of the Manual Labor Academy is 
still standing, and associated with it is 
much of historic interest. 

The property was purchased in 1775 
by Dr. William Shippen as a summer 
home, and contained many acres, the 
gardens filled with rare trees and plants. 
The building is said to have been the 
first three-story building in German- 
town, and has for many years been 
known as the Blair House. It has had 
many vicissitudes. It was the centre 
of a fierce skirmish during the battle 



of Germantown (125 years ago on Octo- 
ber 4th), and of this the building gave 
evidence for many years in the bullet 
marks on and in the house. The house 
was once occupied by Dr. Shippen's 
son-in-law. Rev. Samuel Blair, who was 
instrumental in establishing the first 
Presbyterian Church in Germantown, 
and who was elected president of 
Princeton College, but voluntarily made 
way for the famous Dr. Witherspoon. 
Religious services were at one time 
held in this building, and it was once 
a ladies' school. In 1851 the house 
was owned by the famous actress, 
Charlotte Cushman. Miss Susan Ship- 
pen Roberdeau, great-granddaughter of 
Dr. William Shippen, in writing of the 
Blair House, says: "I wish I could dis- 
tinctly remember the stories told me 
Oi. the Blair House; it was always said 
to be haunted. Ghosts were seen; 
servants were always talking of the 
ghosts they had seen in the cellar — 
soldiers, with swords, walking round. 
Myself and sisters were bom in that 
house. Mrs. [Gen.] Washington, who 
was a friend of the family, used to visit 
at this house." 

So much for the academic structure 
from whose halls came the first presi- 
dent, professors and students- ox Lafay- 
ette College. 



The following advertisement of the 
professional services of a man whose 
services to the county, both profession- 
al and otherwise, should be recorded in 
some substantial way in your county: 

"DR. TRAILL GREEN 
has opened an office at No. 38 North- 
ampton street, nearly opposite Mr. Jas. 
Wilson's store, and respectfully offers 
his professional services to the inhabi- 
tants of Easton and vicinity. 

"Easton, Oct. 19, 1836." 



"ATTENTION. 

"Members of the First Battalion, 
97th Regiment: You are respectfully 
and earnestly called upon to meet at 
early candle light at the house of David 
Connor on Friday next, the 16th inst., 
for the purpose of adopting measures 
relative to the welfare of the good old 
Ninety-seventh. MANY. 

"December 15, 1836." 

THE POLITICAL FINALE OF 1836. 

"Mr. EMitor: If there ever was an 
exhibition of human weakness it cer- 
tainly was presented to us on Mount 
Jefferson a few days since. No doubt 
on the same spot the savage Indian 
once slew and roasted his sacrifice to 
his idol, and every attentive mind can- 



107 



not but mark the striking resemblance 
between tlie lieathen sacrifices and this 
Christian sacrifice, which was made on 
Christmas last. As we stood in the 
valley and looked up on the hill and 
saw the fire, the victim roasting, the 
promiscuous assembly of men and 
boys, and heard the cannon and the 
shouts of tne attendants, we felt as- 
sured that the devotees of Jupiter 
Bacchus or Mars were performing 
their accustomed devotions around the 
consecrated altar. Whatever might 
heretofore have distinguished our citi- 
zens from the ancient heathen has cer- 
tainly by this act been taken away, 
and the fullest evidence given that our 
dispositions and habits of intellectual 
exercise are precisely similar to theirs. 
The whole ceremony of roasting the ox 
in every point coincides so exactly with 
the heathen custom that we cannot say 
we are more enlightened and civilized 
than they were and be consistent with 
ourselves. 

"I am persuaded that those citizens 
who have lent their aid to carry on this 
exhibition of rejoicing will, upon a little 
retlection, feel most deeply ashamed, 
or else justify the act; and I challenge 
any man to raise his pen and vindicate 
them who abetted in roasting the ox 
from the full charge of being genuine 
heathen, as far as that act may go, and 
I promise myself to prove, unequivo- 
cally, as far as similar cases can be 
evidence, that they are, if anyone 
chooses to assert the contrary. 

"The whole system and practice of 
heathen mythology can, in my opinion, 
be brought as collateral evidence to 
show that the ox roasters and eaters 
are heathen! I know it will be difficult 
for none of the boasted and enlight- 
ened patriots of Easton to rest easy 
under the appelation now assigned to 
them, but until their conduct is shown 
to be in accordance with civilized and 
Christian policy, and not exactly cor- 
responding to the conduct of the 
Heathen, let them hang their heads 
and blush for shame, that they made 
such a dishonorable and Heathenish 
exhibition of character. 

"FRANKLIN. 

"December 28, 1836." 



HISTORICAL SKETCHESRELATING 
TO EASTON AND NORTHAMP- 
TON COUNTY, PA., AND 
THEIR INHABITANTS. 



Miscellaneous Local Events in 1837. 



NEW SERIES NO. 9. 



Contributed by Etnan A. Weaver. 



Some of the local events of '36, as 
seen through Democratic spectacles, 
were epitomized in verse in the follow- 
ing carriers' address of the "Argus," 
New Year's Day, 1837, kindly furnished 
me by my friend, Asa K. Mcllhaney, of 
Bath, Pa., himself an intelligent gleaner 
in the field of local history: 

Witn nose all red, through storm and 

sleet. 
The newsboy plies his busy feet 
To tell the world (la! how profound!) 
Another year has run its round. 
"Wnat's happened and what is to come. 
Of murders, fires, earthquakes some, 
Who rules the nations, fall of stocks, 
The price of pork and ladies' smocks. 
Of Morgan's ghost and Ritner's breeches. 
Of windy days and windy speeches; 
So, parson-liKe, we'll take our text 
And thump away like one who's vext. 
At home we've liberty and wheat — 
To get the last it makes one sweat. 
Then wood is dear and so is flesh. 
Particularly that that's fresh, 
And nowadays to fill one's belly 
A pretty sum. it takes I tell ye; 
Yet better 'tis to pay the baker 
Than doctor or the undertaker. 
For one would swap good rye and 

"injin" 
For bolusses, with bill so swinging. 
At Washington the Democrats 
icun down the Feds, as dogs do rats. 
We've got them up in a comer, 
Where they sit as still as did that little 
fellow, with a plum pudding, called 
Jacky Horner, 
'ihe little man from Kinderhook 
nas proved himself a "raal spook," 
And by the aid of votes and magic, 
txed petticoats and scenes quite tragic. 
Has made the hero of Tippecanoe 
The augur-hole to creep quite through. 
To be sure, the latter took a journey 
Throughout our State, well stocked 

with blarney 
Wherewith to grease our honest Dutch- 
men 
(Alas! that he should wheedle such 
men), 

And when he stopp'd withUncleChippy 
And drank his grog like King Agrippa, 



108 



He little thought, ods bobs and flinders, 
We'd knock old Hartford all to cinders 
And send nim back, by dint of votes. 
To where they wear red petticoats! 
To make these squealing Feds, from 

Hartford, 
With black cockades, to smell and 

smart for't. 
On second Christmas, bright and early, 
We bung'd our guns with huzzas cheerly. 
Then every Federal mother's son 
In his shirt-tail was seen to run, 
And scud round corners, slam and jam, 
As did their friends with Fackenham. 
At noon five thousand Democrats, 
Although it rained "dogs and cats," 
A glorious ox, done to a turning, 
Brought to the Square (wa'n't that a 

wanting?). 
And, 'midst ten thousand glorious 

cheers, 
Eat all, save hoofs and horns and ears. 
These we reserv'd for those poor fellows 
Who blew so loud Old Granny's bellows 
And made him, in his age and dotage, 
Believe in spooks and petticoat-age! 



JACKSON. 



The hero wuo our battles fought, when 

in his manhood's pride. 
And bared his bosom to the foe when 

cowards shrunk aside. 
Will leave us soon, as well becomes 

his toilings and his age. 
For that lov'd home — his heart's last 

rest — the peaceful Hermitage. 

The prayers of our children will rise to 

heaven for him 
Whose glorious spirit buoy'd him up 

when age all else made dim. 
Who grappled, with a giant's grasp, 

corruption in its prime 
And left a legacy for them beyond this 

reach of time. 

Yes, Jackson! at thy patriot name, 

when ages by have rolled. 
When envy's tongue, that rankles now, 

forgotten is and cold, 
'Ihen shall thy glorious deeds of fame 

be bright as noonday sun. 
And Washington's and thy own name 

together twine as one! 



OLD-FASHIONED SNOWSTORM. 

"On Friday night last and Saturday 
[January 20th and 21st, 1837,] we had 
a heavy fall of snow. During the fall 
of snow there was but little wind, but 
on Sunday there was considerable dur- 
ing the whole day, which occasioned 
such snow drifts on almost all our 
roads as to block them nearly up. 
Where the wind has not disturbed the 



snow it is about eighteen inches deep. 
The Philadelphia mail stage got in on 
Monday evening at an early hour, con- 
sidering the difllculties to encounter on 
the road, being frequently obliged to 
open the fences and drive a mile or two 
round through orchards and fields in 
order to avoid the snowbanks. 

"But little business was transacted 
in the court on Monday last; witnesses 
were not in attendance, and but five of 
the jurors summoned to attend an- 
swered to their names in the morning 
and only thirteen in the afternoon." 



"BOAT CLUB. 

"A stkted meeting of the Mackerisk- 
keskon Boat Club will be held at their 
hall on Tuesday evening, February 7, 
1837. Punctual attendance is particu- 
larly requested, as an election for offi- 
cers will take place for the ensuing six 
months. J. H. WILKING, Sec, 

"Feb. 1, 1837." 



The late Dr. B. F. Stem, who is 
pleasantly recalled by many, was a 
student at college when he made the 
following announcement: 
"NOTICE. 

"The subscriber informs the citizens 
of Easton and the friends of sacred 
music that he intends to open a Sing- 
ing School on Saturday, the 4th of Feb- 
ruary inst., at 2.30 o'clock p. m., in the 
northeast room in the second story of 
the Academy. The terms will be as 
follows: 75 cents per scholar under 15 
years of age and $1 for each over that 
age per quarter. 

"BENJAMIN F. STEM. 

"Feb. 1, 1837." 



NEW BANK PROJECTED. 
"NOTICE. 

"In order to ascertain the public 
sentiment in regard to the propriety of 
applying forthwith to the Legislature 
of Pennsylvania for an act incorpo- 
rating an additional bank in the bor- 
ough of Ea,ston, a meeting of the citi- 
zens of the borough and vicinity will 
be held at the court house on Thursday 
evening next at 6.30 o'clock. 

"Easton, Feb. 1, 1837." 



"THE 22 D OF FEBRUARY. 

"The young men of Easton disposed 
to celebrate the approaching anniver- 
sai-y of Washington's birth with a ball 
or cotillion party will meet, to make 
the necessary arrangements, at W. 
Shouse's Hotel on Friday evening next, 
tne 3d instant. 

"Easton, Feb. 1, 1837." 



109 



"EASTON AND READING STAGE- 
DAILY LINE. 

The proprietors of the old line of 
stages on the above route respectfully 
inform the public that they now run a 
daily line (Sundays excepted) from 
Easton via Bethlehem, AUentown.Kutz- 
town, to Reading. 

"At Easton the above line leaves Wil- 
liam White's EJaston Hotel every morn- 
ing at 4.30 o'clock, and at Reading, 
William Coleman's Hotel, at the same 
hour. 

"The proprietors have spared no 
pains or expense in procuring for this 
line everything which can add to the 
convenience and dispatch of passen- 
ger«5. They solicit a continuance of 
the patronage for the daily line which 
the public have for a long time extend- 
ed to the tri-weekly stage. 

"W. WHITE, Agent. 

"February 8, 1837." 



UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS— 
A RENDEZVOUS 

is now open at Easton, Penn., corner 
of Lehigh and Pomfret streets, at the 
tavern of John Sletor, where are want- 
ed a number of able-bodied men for the 
United States Marine Corps, both for 
sea service and to remain in the seve- 
ral navy yards in the United States. 
RATES OF PAY. 

Per month — good rations, with ex- 
cellent clothing and, in case of sick- 
ness, the best medical attendance, viz.: 
Per Month Is Per Year 

Privates $7 $ 84 

Musicians 8 96 

Corporals 9 108 

Sergeants 13 156 

Orderly Sergeants. 16 192 

Term of enlistment, four years. 

Jan. 18, 1837. 



BOROUGH ELECTION. 

The annual election for borough offi- 
cers was held on Friday last [March 
17, 1837]. For several years back our 
spring election has been marked with 
great warmth oi party feeling, but last 
week the election passed off with but 
little excitement. Two tickets were 
run for Council, and the one elected is 
composed of gentlemen of both politi- 
cal parties. For School Directors and 
Constable there was no opposition, and 
the Overseers who served during the 
last year were re-elected. Two tickets 
were voted for Auditors of Accounts, 
and the one called the "no party tick- 
et" succeeded. The following is the 
result — the names of the successful 
candidates are marked thus (*): 



For Council. 

A. H. Reeder 379*!MichaelButz.250* 

Jacob Wagener. .254*1B. Davis. . . .155 

Benj. Ihrie 359*|J.Marbacher.l51 

Samuel Ricker. .250*|John Sletor. .141 
Overseers of the Poor. 

Wm. Innes 222*|JohnWorman.l74 

John Miller 204*|George Kutz. 60 

William Rewalt.180 
Constables. 

H. S. Troxell 175|John Leidich. 82 

School Directors. 

P. Schuman 281|Fred. Seitz . . 289 

John J. Burk 289 1 

Auditors. 
Wm. Hackett. ..390*|D. W. Davis.. 176 
Charles Kitchen. 214*|Geo. Sigman.167 
D. W. Butz 212* 



"NOTICE. 

"The gentleman who borrowed a 
shot-bag and powder-horn of a friend 
in Delaware Ward is requested to re- 
turn it immediately to the owner. 

"Easton, March 29, 1837." 



A work which your historical society 
has before it is the preparation of the 
list of marriages and deaths as pub- 
lished in your local newspapers, say 
from 1798 (the earliest file of papers 
I have knowledge of) to 1898. It would 
be a voluminous affair, it is true, but 
the information thus gathered would 
De invaluable to those who seek gene- 
alogical information. I have generally 
avoided such information in these 
sketches, but the following is concern- 
ing one who, if his life had been spared, 
would have reflected even greater 
nonor on the county which he repre- 
sented in many official capacities: 
"DIED, 

At his residence in Bath, on Satur- 
day last [March 25, 1837], Col. Jacob 
ivern, aged about fifty years. The de- 
ceased was extensively known, and 
highly esteemed by his fellow citizens, 
who selected him repeatedly to fill re- 
sponsible offices, and he discharged the 
duties of all with an ability and 
promptness which gained him the gen- 
eral approbation of his constituents." 



WHERE THE SCHOOL MASTER WAS 

ABROAD— PROBABLY BUSH- 

KILL TOWNSHIP, WHERE 

I WAS BORN. 

"(Published by request). 

"Persuing to Bublick Notice, given 
to the Creatitors of Wolle and Kern, 
the Creatitors Meet, and Elected Ma- 
thias S. Henry as Cheerman, and Pe- 
ter Gross, chosen Secretary. 

"On motum it was agreed that a 



110 



comitee of five be apointed. Adjoint 
tor the preset. 
"April 1st, 1837." 



EASTON'S SCHOOL TEACHERS IN 
1837. 

Notice is hereby given that the com- 
mon schools of the borough of Easton 
are now open for reception of scholars, 
and that the following teachers have 
been appointed, viz.: 

Boys — Luther Scott, Azariah Prior, 
Paul Higgins, Josiah Davis, Henry 
Hemsing, Joseph P. Deringer, A Tick- 
ner, John M.Bel!, Mrs. Till, Mrs. Rogers 
and Mrs. A. G. Kemper. 

Girls — Samuel Depew, Mrs. Prior, 
Lasy, Van Dyke, Roseberry, Porter, 
Freeman, Philips, Tice, Misses Hecht, 
Miss L. Burnside, L. Osterstock, H. 
Dusenberry, M. Everitt, A. A. Tindall. 
P. SHUMAN, 
Secretary of the Board. 

Easton, June 14, 1837. 



MARITIME NEWS. 
Delaware Canal. 

Account of property and number of 
boats cleared at Easton for the south 
on the Delaware Division of the Penn- 
sylvania Canal during the month of 
June, 1837: 

Flour 3,303 barrels 

Corn and other grain 4,896 bushels 

Potatoes 8 bushels 

Butter and cheese 100 pounds 

Leather 1,120 pounds 

Domestic liquors 20,246 gallons 

Groceries 275 pounds 

Oil 463 gallons 

Furniture 5,546 pounds 

^^""s 1,884 pounds 

Mineral coal 21,581 tons 

Pig iron and castings. .187,975 pounds 

Lime 5,950 bushels 

Roofing slate 227,136 pounds 

Saweri lumber 103,572 feet 

Shingles 45,000 

Sundries 341,744 pounds 

Whole number of boats cleared. . .532 

Miles travefed by passengers 556 

Total toll received $8,786.91 

Account of property and number of 
boats arriving at Easton from the 
south on the Delaware Division of the 
Pennsylvania Canal during the month 
of June, 1837: 

Flour 10 barrels 

Wheat 20,470 bushels 

Rye and other grain. .. .22,019 bushels 

Salted beef 47 barrels 

Salted pork 129 barrels 

Bacon 45,836 pounds 

Fish 604 barrels 

Salt 3.073 bushels 

Wool 800 pounds 



Cotton 6,000 pounds 

Hemp 3,507 pounds 

Tobacco 45,133 pounds 

Raw hides 43,783 pounds 

Domestic liquors 10,582 gallons 

Merchandise 77,059 pounds 

Groceries 310,015 pounds 

Oil 1,419 gallons 

Drugs and dye stuffs 15,740 pounds 

Plaster 54 tons 

Furniture 14,317 pounds 

Window glass 79 boxes 

Mineral coal 12 tons 

Pig iron and castings 5,200 pounds 

Bloons,barand sheet iron.62, 276 pounds 

Copper and tin 3,840 pounds 

Lime 104 bushels 

Sawed lumber 1,470 feet 

Staves, heading, etc 6,200 pounds 

Sundries 127,316 pounds 

Number of boats cleared 409 

Miles traveled by passengers 840 

Total toll paid $2,319.64 

S. P. STINSON, Collector. 

Collector's office, July 12, 1837. 

The grain brought up the canal, viz., 
42,489 bushels, consists of foreign 
wheat and rye, with the exception of 
75 bushels of oats. 



"A USEFUL INSTITUTION. 
Mechanics' Institute, Corner of North- 
ampton and Fermor Streets. 

The Mechanics' Institute will be open 
every evening from early candle light 
until 9 o'clock. 

Persons wishing to become subscrib- 
ers can do so by making application to 
William Rewalt, Samuel Ricker or to 
H. Hammann, Executive Committee, 
or to A. Miller, President of the Insti- 
tute. 

Several daily papers from the cities 
and a number of scientific periodicals 
are received and filed in the reading 
room; also, an extensive library of 
books of every description. 

In a few weeks the benefits of the 
library will be extended to the use of 
the apprentices. 

Donations of books or money will be 
thankfully received by either of the 
above named or J. TITUS, Sec. 

Easton, Aug. 30, 1837." 



FALL ELECTION' 37. 

"The election for Inspectors and As- 
sessors in this borough resulted in a 
glorious victory for the friends of Rit- 
ner and Harrison. It will be seen by 
the returns below that we were not 
mistaken in our predictions as to the 
result. Bushkill Ward was carried 
last year by a majority of 1 vote; this 
year, with but very little exertion, we 
have a majority of 20. 

"In Lehigh Ward theVanBuren Loco- 



Ill 



Foco' faction fared still worse. Al- 
though they had their runners out for 
several days preceding the election, 
and no exertions spared or tricks ne- 
glected to retain their former majority, 
which was something like 100 votes, 
they were near losing their Inspector, 
having elected him by only 34 votes. 

"The result of election on Friday 
may well be called a 'Glorious Victory,' 
and if the mechanics and workingmen 
attend to their own interests on Tues- 
day next, which they doubtless will, 
the opponents of the shinplaster fac- 
tion will triumph in Lehigh Ward and 
more than double their majority in 
Bushkill Ward. 

BUSHKILli WARD. 
Whig VanBuren 

Inspector. 
Sam. Drinkhouse. 126 [John Leidich.106 

Assessor* 

Wm. Ricker 1271J. Schlongh. .108 

Assistant Assessors. 

Chas. Innes 127|Thos. McKeen.103 

Ralph Tindall. .125] Jos. Burke 105 

LEHIGH WARD. 

Inspector. 
Henry Snyder.. 102|David Bamet..l36 

Assessor. 

E. P. Hunt 77|Samuel Davis.. 155 

Assistant Assessors. 

E. S. Clark 79|Isaac Levan..l49 

J. D. Mason 79 IS. Kennedy. . .150 



ADDITIONAL RESULTS FROM THE 

MANUAL LABOR TRAINING 

ON COLLEGE HILL. 

"On Saturday last [October 7, 1837,] 
we received as a present from Lafay- 
ette College a cabbage head weighing 
upwards of 28 pounds, a sugar beet of 
enormous size and three onions larger 
than a good-sized tin cup. Whether 
the first of the articles was intended 
as a correspondence to our own head 
or to show that they had cabbage 
heads, as well as wise heads, on the 
college hill, we are not informed, but 
.the articles all show careful garden- 
ing on good soil. Indeed, we have 
rarely seen so fine a vegetable garden 
or one in better order than that of the 
college. 

"The aforesaid cabbage, after keep- 
ing it at our oflBce until today for exhi- 
bition, we have consigned it to our 
craut tub, and we shall, in a short time, 
test the sacharine qualities ot the beet, 
and, if we can get a good tripe from 
one of our victualling butchers, we 
shall try the succulent qualities of the 
onions therewith." 



HISTORICAL SKETCHESRELATING 
TO EASTON AND NORTHAMP- 
TON COUNTY, PA., AND 
THEIR INHABITANTS. 



Miscellaneous Local Events in 1838. 



NEW SERIES NO. 10. 



Contributed by Etnan A. Weaver. 



"The temperature of the first week in 
January, 1838, was in strong contrast 
with that of the corresponding week of 
the previous year. For the former 
period it ranged during the week be- 
tween 36 and 59 degrees; in 1837, be- 
tween 5 and 37 degrees, a low temper- 
ature prevailing." 



SHOOTING MATCH. 

Shooting matches were much in 
vogue in the time of our grandfathers. 
Before the holidays the shooting was 
usually for turkeys or other fowl. At 
other times, for miscellaneous live 
stock; in the earlier days, a bear was 
occasionally the prize aimed for: 
"MARKSMEN, ATTENTION! 

There will be a shooting match on 
the 27th instant at the house of the 
subscriber, in Plainfield township, at 
which a first-rate Durham bull will be 
shot for at the distance of 10 paces. 
The bull is of dark brown color, with 
short horns, and perfectly gentle in 
all respects. His stock cannot be sur- 
passed in this country. All those who 
wish to improve their stock will there- 
fore do well to call and see him. 
Sporting to commence at 10 o'clock 
a. m. Attendance given by 

HENRY HORNING." 

February 14, 1838. 

"BOROUGH SPRING ELECTION. 

The following is the result of the 
election held on Friday last [March 
16, 1838,] for borough officers: 
Constable. 

Lehigh Bu-h I I 
rd W rd 

*H. S. Troxell 181 

John V. Hutman 166 

*Richard S. Bell 140 

John Leidich 133 

John Lewis 28 

Town Council. 

George Straub 152 1C5 

J. Marbacher 153 100 

Michael Butz 153 107 

Overseers of Poor. 

*William Rewalt 175 154 

*John Worman 149 138 

112 



William Innes 108 71 

John Miller 86 68 

Jonathan Reich 63 39 

School Directors. 

Fred. Seitz (3 years) 134 93 

Jacob Wagener (3 years).. 133 93 

H. Hamman (2 years) 130 93 

M. H. Jones (1 year) 129 92 

Auditors. 

♦Lawrence Titus 122 41 

A. Coryell 198 102 

* Jacob Shipe 199 104 

J. K. Heckman 85 67 

The successful candidates are placed 
in italics (*), with the exception of 
Town Council and School Directors, 
for which offices there was no opposi- 
tion." 



THE LODGE AND THE COURT 
HOUSE. 

"Mr. Hetrich: As in these hard and 
shinplaster times it behooves us all to 
look to our interests and do such 
things as will best tend to the support 
of government in small as well as 
large affairs, I would, as a taxpayer of 
the county of Northampton, inquire of 
the Commissioners, through the medi- 
um of your paper, why the Easton 
Lodge of Freemasons are permitted to 
hold their midnight meetings and per- 
form their infernal mummeries in the 
grand jury room of our county court 
house without paying rent for the 
same? Is it because one of the Board 
of Commissioners is a Freemason or 
that these followers of Hiram Abiff 
must be more privileged than other 
portions of our citizens? 

As I am informed (and the account 
of our Treasurer shows it to be a fact) , 
the two beneficial societies each pay 
$12 per year for the privilege of meet- 
ing in the court house; but the same 
Treasurer's account shows no receipt 
from the lodge for rent. Now, how is 
this? Are they (the Masons) to be 
allowed to meet almost weekly, carry 
the key to the grand jury room and 
keep the same continually lumbered 
up with their nonsensical trash because 
they are Masons, or are they to be 
favored and the beneficial societies 
made to pay rent for the use of the 
court house and for meeting much less 
frequent than the lodge? This pro- 
ceeding is certainly wrong, and I, for 
one, do not believe that our Commis- 
sioners have any right or authority to 
lend any society the free use of the 
court house. And of the injustice of 
the affair there can be no doubt, for 
why should they make fish of one so- 
ciety and flesh of another? 

The Commissioners should recollect 
that they are the servants of the 



people, and that they, of right, ought 
to work for the interest of that same 
people as if they were working for 
their own. They are paid for their 
services, and are not told "you shall 
let one society have the court house 
free and charge the others rent." 

MORE ANON." 
Easton, March 29, 1838. 



ANNOUNCEMENT OF PROF. WISE'S 

FIRST BALLOON ASCENSION 

IN EASTON. 

"Mr. Wise, the celebrated aeronaut, 
intends gratifying the citizens of Eas- 
ton with a balloon ascension through 
the course of the next month, provided 
a sufficient sum shall be subscribed to 
justify him making the necessary ar- 
rangements. The expense of inflating 
a balloon amounts to nearly $400, as it 
requires 8,000 pounds of oil of vitriol, 
2,500 pounds of iron turnings and gran- 
ulated zinc, together with an extensive 
apparatus for the production of hydro- 
gen gas. 

The balloon is entirely new, com- 
prising 500 yards of silk, and has a 
capacity of 12,000 cubic feet, which 
gives • it an ascending power of 720 
pounds. No fire used in the process 
of inflation. 

Easton, March 28, 1838." 



"BALLOON ASCENSION. 

Mr. J. Wise, grateful for the patron- 
age from the citizens of E]aston, re- 
spectfully announces to them and the 
public generally that he will make his 
eighth grand ascension from the bor- 
ough of Elaston on Saturday, the 28th 
of April (weather permitting); if not, 
the following Saturday. 

A spacious arena will be erected, 
provided with seats to accommodate 
1,000 spectatiors, so that all may wit- 
ness the interesting process of inflat- 
ing a balloon with hydrogen gas. 
Order of Ascension. 

At 10 o'clock the gates of the arena 
will be opened for the reception of 
visitors. At 11 o'clock the inflation of 
the balloon will commence. At 12 a 
handsome pilot will be sent off. At 1 
a large dolphin will sent adrift and a 
number of small balloons will be let 
off through the course of the inflation. 
At 2 o'clock a pioneer balloon will be 
sent off to point out the direction of 
the large one, and at 3 o'clock Mr. Wise 
will attach his car to his balloon, in 
which he will take his station, and, 
after floating a few minutes over the 
audience, he will cut the cord and pro- 
ceed on his aerial voyage. 

The reverend clergy and scientific 
gentlemen are particularly requested 



113 



to attend, as the whole proceeding will 
be conducted with the utmost decoinim. 
Front seats reserved for the ladies. 

Tickets of admission, 50 cents; chil- 
dren, half price; and to be had at the 
arena and the hotels and stores in 
Easton. 

April 18, 1838." 



"A DISAPPOINTMENT. 

We regret to state that Mr. Wise's 
promised balloon ascension from this 
borough did not taJ^e place on Saturday 
last [April 28, 1838]. Thousands of 
citizens from the country were in at- 
tendance to witness the impressive 
spectacle, and to them the disappoint- 
ment must have been much greater 
than to us, who were at home. 

Mr. Wise was indefatigable in his 
endeavors to inflate his balloon, but as 
late as 5 o'clock in the evening he had 
not succeeded in procuring a sufficient 
supply of gas to enable him to ascend. 

We again state that we regret the 
failure, on account of our counti^ 
friends, and also as well on account of 
the aeronaut himself, who is no doubt 
well acquainted with the science, and 
has made several very fine ascensions. 

To the great credit of our citizens, 
Mr. Wise's person and property were 
strictly respected. 

We have just been informed that Mr. 
Wise, at the request of his numerous 
friends in this place, has determined 
to make another attempt to ascend 
from our borough, in which he will no 
doubt be successful, as the causes 
which produced the failure on Satur- 
day last will, as far as possible, be 
obviated. The ascension is to be a 
public one (free of charge), and will 
take place in a few weeks. Notice of 
the day will be given hereafter." 



"BATTALION ORDER. 

The Independent Volunteer Battalion 
commanded by Maj. Charles Weaver 
will meet at Williamsburg, in Upper 
Mt. Bethel township, on Tuesday, the 
15th day of May, 1838, for the purpose 
of parade and inspection, according to 
law. Punctual attendance is requested, 
as the line will be formed at 10 a. m. 
precisely. JACOB WEAVER. Sec. 

Lower Mt. Bethel, May 2, 1838." 



ferent blocks will take up a collection 
on the day of the ascension. Their 
names are Joseph Barnet, L. A. Buck- 
ley, Edward J. Seip, Thomas Sletor, 
John Finley, H. Hammann, John A. 
Innes, H. S. Heckman, Dr. J. P. B. 
Sloan, William Green, John A. Shouse 
and George W. Barnet." 



"WISE'S BALLOON ASCENSION. 
At a meeting of the friends of Mr. 
Wise, held at the court house, it was 
decided that the ascension should take 
place on Saturday next, the 26th day 
of May [1838], between the hours of 
11 and 1 o'clock on said day. The 
same collecting committee for the dif- 



"BALLOON ASCENSION. 
On Saturday last [May 26, 1838], ac- 
cording to advertisement, Mr. Wise 
made his promised balloon ascension 
from this borough. The arrangements 
for inflating the balloon were simple, 
but effectual, and shortly after 11 
o'clock a. m. all was ready for the ride 
in the clouds. At about 15 minutes be- 
fore 12 o'clock Mr. Wise placed himself 
in his car, and, cutting the cord which 
restrained the aerial vessel, at once 
rose majestically into the heavens. 
Many thousands were spectators, and 
we believe that not one but acknowl- 
edged the perfect beauty and sublimity 
of the ascension. Mr. Wise repeatedly 
waved his flag and hat in return to the 
cheerings of his friends below until at 
length his buoyant vehicle penetrated 
a dense cloud at some 2,000 feet eleva- 
tion. Here he was lost to sight by the 
spectators, and, although occasional 
glimpses were had of the voyager at 
different places, nothing definite as to 
his whereabouts was known until the 
arrival of the Morristown stage with 
the aeronaut, balloon, etc., at about 10 
o'clock p. m. 

We subjoin the following, addressed 
to the editor of the 'Argus, giving his 
own account of this journey: 

'Owing to my indisposition on the 
day of ascension I did not remain in 
the air as long as I had anticipated. 
At about 15 minutes before 12 o'clock 
I detached my car from the rope that 
held it to the earth, and as I rose above 
the buildings and spires of the town, 
the shouts and bustles of the crowd 
below me died away in a faint mur- 
mur. I then prepared myself a seat 
in the car with some of my ballast- 
bags, on which I sat, the better to en- 
joy the view of the delightful country 
over which I was sailing. The con- 
fluence of the Delaware and Lehigh, 
with the sheet of water passing over 
the dam of the latter, presented a 
beautiful view. The rich verdure of 
the farms stretching along the valleys 
with the different avenues leading to 
the borough, thronged with the sur- 
rounding population, all wending their 
way to town. The latter, however, 
were suddenly arrested on aiscovering 
the balloon in the air. 

While regaling myself with this de- 



114 



lightful scene, I found myself pene- 
trating a dense body of clouds, and as 
the yawning chasm closed in beneath, 
it left me groping through a world of 
darkness with an occasional glimpse 
of sunshine that appeared through the 
ravines and clefts of these tenements 
of the air. In five minutes after I 
lost sight of the earth, I emerged from 
this dungeon of the sky. Here I would 
have the reader judge of the contrast 
and variety of an excursion thro' the 
air. First, the splendid and gorgeous 
landscape scenery, then the passage 
through a stratum of vapour so dense, 
that you cannot see the vessel that 
carries you; next, emerging from dark- 
ness into a brilliant sunshine, unrival- 
led by the most dazzling light that art 
could invent all in the space of twenty 
minutes. 

I now made the first obsei"vation 
with my compass.and by the assistance 
of the sun, I found myself moving in 
a direction north. The current below 
me being from the west, carried the 
clouds rapidly eastward, forming a 
right angle with my line of direction. 

About 30 minutes past 12 I dropped 
low enough to fall in with the west 
wind, when I discovered the town of 
Belvidere, and crossed the Delaware 
about two or three miles below. From 
this I ascertained that I had returned 
to the Pennsylvania side with the 
westernly breeze. 

I continued my voyage over New 
Jersey, with an occasional glimpse of 
terra firma, as I would pass over an 
aperture in clouds, until I reached the 
village of Washington, where I de- 
scended low enough to reconnoitre the 
face of the country and prepare for a 
descent, feeling much fatigued and ex- 
hausted after a severe spell of cough- 
ing caused by inhaling the hydrogen, 
through which I had to pass the great- 
er part of my ascent, as my balloon 
was completely filled when I left the 
earth, and the expansion of the gas 
caused a copious discharge through 
the neck valve. 

At one o'clock I passed Anderson 
Town, leaving it to the south and mov- 
ing rapidly towards Hackettstown, 
where I made my final descent, at 15 
minutes past 1 o'clock. I landed on 
the farm of Mr. Wolverton, and by 
the assistance of Messrs. Miller and 
Wolverton, and several other gentle- 
men, I got my fractious courser secur- 
ed to the earth, after travelling about 
35 miles, and tearing away several 
fences and limbs of trees. 

I would here return thanks to my 
friends in New Jersey, for their kind- 
ness in furnishing me with refresh- 
ments, and a conveyance to meet the 



Morristown stage, by which I returned 
to my friends in E^ston, who were 
anxiously waiting my safe return. I 
would also return my sincere thanks 
to the committee of gentlemen that 
superintended the order of ascension — 
and as I flatter myself that I have 
made a scientific and satisfactory ex- 
hibition to the citizens of Easton, it 
will always leave a pleasing memento 
on the mind of their humble servant. 

J. WISE. 
N. B. — The greatest change of tem- 
perature was from 74 degrees to 36 
that being the greatest altitude." 



YOUNG MEN'S CONVENTION. 

The following are the delegates ap- 
pointed to represent Northampton 
county in the Young Men's Convention 
held at Reading, Pa.: 

Easton — Samuel Shick, J. H. Wil- 
king, J. Jenkins Ross, D. H. Snyder, 
John Dawes, Joseph Bamet, John 
Shouse, Jesse B. Shipman, Lewis A. 
Buckley, Samuel Drinkhouse, Samuel 
Yohe, Herman S. Heckman, B. F. 
Arndt, William Ross, J. P. Hetrich, 
E. A. Reeder, William Calla, Nathan 
Osterstock, A. E. Brown, F. A. Fick- 
ardt, Peter Brown, John Heckman, 
W. H. Hemsing, Samuel Stem, Charles 
Engle, J. M. Capron, F. L. Crane, John 
Everman, Philip Keyser, EHi Batt, 
Wetherill Lee. Adam Yohe, Edward 
Nightingale, George A. Hice, John B. 
Hunt; Allen — Charles R. Kern, Daniel 
Riegel; Bethlehem — Joseph B. Jones, 
Samuel Shimer, George Reich, James 
Leibert, John Schropp; Bushkill — J. J. 
Albright, Peter Gross; East Penn — 
Reuben Hagenbuch, Caspar Peter, 
Forks^ — John Kemmerer, Daniel Lerch, 
Jacob Saylor; Hanover — Daniel Heller; 
Lehigh — A. W. Lerch, John J. Homer; 
U. & L. Mt. Bethel— Samuel M. Brod, 
J. Cressman, Jacob D. Deitrich, J. 
Huntsberger; U. & L.Nazareth — Jacob 
Boorem, J. P. Beisel, Josiah Beitle, 
Christian R. Boeber; Williams — A. E. 
Rittenhouse, Samuel Shouse, Samuel 
Arndt, Joseph Richardt; Lower Sau- 
con — Jesse Scheimer, Henry Dech, 
Samuel Riegle, Joseph Roth, H. Riegle, 
John Good; Moore — Paul M. Miller, 
George Dout; Mauch Chunk — Asa L. 
Foster, M. H. Sisty, Dr. Thompson; 
Plainfield — J. Stackhousfe, John Miller, 
Jr., Michael Weaver; Towamensing — 
Samuel R. Templin, Peter Snyder, Jr. 
[May 30, 1838.] 



ANOTHER FRESHET. 

"On Saturday night last [June 30, 

1838,] the Bushkill had the highest 

freshet which has been known in that 

stream for years. The rise was very 



115 



sudden, and the torrent in its course 
swept away fences, bridges, grass, hay, 
&c., to the great damage and alarm of 
those residing on its margin. The 
freshet was vastly increased by the 
breaking of three or four dams above 
us. Cope's dam, the dam of Henry's 
gun factory and at Catherine Fur- 
nace all gave way. The pens of some 
of the distilleries were emptied of their 
swinish multitudes without notice, and 
we are pleased to say without great 
loss to the owners. In one instance a 
stable containing three cows, chained 
to the rack, was lifted up with its con- 
tents and floated about 400 yards to an 
island and there deposited itself and 
freight, none the worse for the ride. 
We fear our worthy farmers have sus- 
tained much injury." 

DIED. 
In this borough, of apoplexy, on the 
2d instant [July, 1838], Mrs. Mary 
Porter, widow of the late Dr. Edward 
Porter, in the 54th year of her age. 
The deceased was a teacher in one of 
the public schools of this place, and 
was taken off, while engaged in her 
school, without a moment's warning. 
Her death will be mourned by a large 
circle of friends and acquaintances, to 
whom she was endeared by every qual- 
ity which can render a female interest- 
ing. How true it is that we know not 
what the day — yea, a moment — may 
bring forth. 



A SHORT-LIVED BOAT CLUB. 
"Notice. 

All persons having any demands 
against the Makerisk Keskon Boat Club 
are requested to present them immedi- 
ately for settlement to John B. Hunt. 

By order of the President 

Easton, June 27, 1838." 



ADVERTISEMENT. 

Pomfret street, Easton — next door lo 

the American Hotel. 

JAMES W. BANTA, 

Manufacturer of Hats and Caps, 

respectfully informs the citizens of 

Easton and the vicinity that he has 

just received a large assortment of 

Hats and Caps of the latest spring and 

summer fashion. 

The citizens are respectfully invited 
to call and choose for themselves. He 
will sell them warranted a first-rate 
article as low as they can be had at 
any other establishment in this or any 
other vicinity. 

BANTA'S HATS! 
That gentleman whose graceful air, 
I heard one say who would not flatter. 



How much is owing to the care 

And talent, think you, of this hatter? 
More than many would suppose 

Who on the subject have not pon- 
dered. 
For one may wear the choicest clothes 

And ornaments that e'er were squan- 
dered, 
Yet when he wears an ungraceful hat 

His splendid dress appears unfinished. 
His fine appearance, think of that. 

Without a doubt is much diminished. 
Where is that article of dress 

Found finished in complete perfection ? 
Where all the fashionable press 

And find it ready for inspection? 
Substantial, beautiful and light. 

Made with most critical attention; 
Color of the blackest bright. 

And paler shades we need not men- 
tion; 
Materials of the richest sort. 

From beaver to selected castor. 
To prove no better can be bought. 

They're selling daily faster and 
faster. 

JAMES W. BANTA, 
Next door to the American Hotel, 
Pomfret street, Easton, Pa. 

July 11, 1838. 



"MR. WISE'S ASCENSION. 
On Saturday last [August 11, 1838,] 
Mr. Wise made his second ascension 
from this place. The ascension was a 
very beautiful one. In the early part of 
the day we were threatened with rain 
and experienced some slight fall, but 
about 2 o'clock the sky became clear 
and the aeronaut made his voyage. 
After remaining in sight, to the great 
gratification of the numerous specta- 
tors, for the space of twenty-five min- 
utes, the balloon disappeared behind 
the horizon of the Scott's Mountain, in 
New Jersey. Mr. Wise descended 
about twelve miles from here. In the 
evening we had a tremendous thunder 
shower, which Mr. Wise just escaped." 



MR. WISE'S OWN ACCOUNT OF THE 
ASCENSION. 
"On Saturday last, the 11th inst., at 
10 minutes before 2 o'clock I ascended 
with my parachute balloon, accompa- 
nied with two small parachutes and 
animals, from the spacious yard of the 
Washington Hotel, kept by Mr. Connor, 
and as soon as I attained the height of 
2,000 feet I detached the conical para- 
chute, with its occupant, which landed 
in safety near the Lafayette College. 
By that time I rose several thousand 
feet more, when I detached my oiled 
silk parachute, which experiment was 
to decide the certainty and safety of 



116 



my parachute balloon. It did not de- 
scend with that uniform velocity as 
the first. I concluded, however, that 
the experiment would not be hazard- 
ous, if not disagreeable. I also was 
satisfied by former descents that a bal- 
loon, as soon as it became placid, would 
invert in a rapid descent. When I at- 
tained an altitude of about 13,0iJ0 feet 
the balloon became fearfully expanded, 
causing a loud hissing from the small 
tube at the bottom, through which the 
valve rope passed, giving me warning 
that unless I opened my safety valve 
the balloon must rupture; at this criti- 
cal moment I became somewhat ex- 
cit€d as I looked over the side of my 
car and saw the vivid flashings of light- 
ning passing from one cloud to another. 
The thunder gust was moving from 
southwest to northeast, and my vessel 
at this time was sailing swiftly from 
northwest toward southeast, passing 
New Village and Asbury. I looked at 
my timepiece and found it twenty min- 
utes past two, and, as I was returning 
it to my pocket, the balloon exploded! 
Although I had confidence in the appa- 
ratus, I must admit that it was a mo- 
ment of awful suspense, for in the 
space of ten seconds the gas rushed 
from the balloon with a noise resem- 
bling the approach of a hurricane, and. 
as I fell through the air, it whistled 
through the network like unto a strong 
northwester through the rigging of a 
ship. I cast my eyes to the balloon 
and found my expectations realized. 
It assumed the form of a concave hemi- 
sphere, falling rapidly, without any 
vibratory motion, until I reached the 
lower strata of air, which was blowing 
a sharp gale from the south. When 
the parachute commenced its first 
vibrations it drifted me northward, 
making a vibration about every ten 
seconds, which now made the descent 
very impleasant, every moment caus- 
ing a sensation similar to that of a 
person dreaming they fall. (I make 
the comparison because I consider it 
a general affliction, as it frequently 
occurs to myself.) The wind from the 
south drifted me about three miles be- 
fore I approached the earth and made 
my landing much harder than it would 
have been in a calm atmosphere. As 
I neared the earth I threw over all 
my ballast, which put me off my guard, 
and as my car struck the earth oblique- 
ly it bounced me out about ten feet, 
slightly bruising my shoulder. I sprang 
on my feet quickly to see it collapse, 
but it had fell alongside of me. I now 
stood gazing with astonishment, first 
at the parachute, then at the car,which 
had turned bottom upward. I next 
cast my eyes to the fleeting clouds 



through which I was sailing but three 
minutes before, and now I was standing 
on terra firma, congratulating myself on 
the result of my experiment, which I 
intend soon to repeat. I landed on the 
farm of Elijah Warne, about ten miles 
from Easton, and got the assistance of 
Mr. Warne and his neighbors, who 
were watching the descent of the para- 
chute, little thinking that a human 
being accompanied it. J. WISE*. 

Easton, Aug. 13, 1838." 



117 



HISTORICALSKETCHES RELATING 
TO EASTON AND NORTHAMP- 
TON COUNTY, PA., AND 
THEIR INHABITANTS. 



Miscellaneous Local Events in 1839. 



"Not to know what has been trans- 
acted in former times is always to re- 
main a child." 



NEW SERIES NO. 11. 



Contributed by Ethan A. Weaver. 



A JANUARY THAW. 
"The Freshet — We regret to state 
that most serious have been the in- 
juries sustained by the heavy rains 
several days since. It was a perfect 
flood, and where there is a stream, 
there we find destruction. On the 
Bushkill Creek the destruction has 
been very great — bridges and dams are 
swept off in great numbers, and it is 
feared that the mills will remain idle 
for several months. The Lehigh was 
also very high, and carried off prop- 
erty to a considerable amount. Our 
neighbors of South Easton have suffer- 
ed severe in lumber, &c. Messrs. E. & 
R. Green, residing a few miles from 
Easton, in N. Jersey, had their store- 
houses destroyed, containing a large 
stock of flour, a considerable portion of 
which was lost. But the great work of 
destruction was on the roads and ca- 
nals. It is calculated it will take 
three or four months to repair the in- 
juries done to the canals. The roads 
are in a most deplorable condition. 
Such a destruction of property, both 
public and private, has never been 
known in this part of the country." 
[Jan. 30, '39.] 



NIAGARA ! ! ATTENTION ! ! 

"A Stated meeting of the Niagara 
Fire Co. will be held on Saturday even- 
ing next at half-past six o'clock. 
Punctual attendance is requested, as 
an election of officers will take place. 
"W. F. ROGERS. President. 

"January 9, 1839." 

"We would ask as a favor of the 
Phoenix, to hold their meeting in their 
Hose House, as the Niagara have no 
house suitable for that purpose. 

"January 9, 1839." 

W. F. Rogers, whose name appears 
above, was the late General William 
Findlcy Rogers, of Buffalo. N. Y., a 
son of the Hon. Thomas J. Rogers, 



who from about the year 1800 to 1830 
was a prominent resident of Easton — 
journalist. Brigadier General in the 
war of 1812, county official, member of 
Congress, &c. 

General William F. Rogers served 
his apprenticeship as a printer in the 
office of the Whig, and afterwards in 
partnership with Gov. Wolf's son edi- 
ted the Beech Woodman at Honesdale. 
He siubsequently removed to Buffalo, 
N. Y., where he filled various offices — 
among others that of Mayor, and as a 
member of Congress. He served 
throughout the Rebellion as an officer 
in the Union Army reaching the rank 
of Brigadier General. He died a year 
or two ago. In a correspondence with 
the writer he always referred to his 
residence in Easton, and his early asso- 
ciations there, as pleasant recollec- 
tions. 



Lafayette College, in its early ex- 
istence, was not without its opponents, 
especially in the ranks of the county 
democracy as the following bit of his- 
tory not found in Dr. Coffin's publica- 
tions, discloses: 

"DR. JUNKIN, THE EDUCATOR AND 
JAMES M. PORTER. 

"Great excitement prevails in the 
northern part of our County in relation 
to an apijlication of 'Lafayette College' 
for additional appropriation from the 
State, to that institution. A few years 
ago Lafayette College received $12,00!) 
out of the State funds, and at a large 
meeting held in Upper Mount Bethel 
on the 2d instant [March, 1839], the' 
further appropriation of $50,000 is very 
justly objected to, for the reasons giv- 
en in the following quotations from the 
proceedings published in the last Eas- 
ton Sentinel: 

" 'The meeting remonstrates against 
the appropriation of $28,00;) for the 
erection of additional buildings on the 
hill. 

" 'The meeting remonstrates against 
the application of Dr. Junkin for a 
subscription by the State of 12,000 
copies of the 'Educator' at an expense 
of $12,000 of the people's money. 

" 'The meeting objects to the loan of 
$10,000 to the Students of said Col- 
lege. 

" 'Resolved, That we look on the 'Ed- 
ucator' with contempt, that small 7 by 
9 pai>er, filled with all kinds of unin- 
teresting matter, at the enormous sum 
of $12,' 00 a year and which Dr. Junkin 
endeavors to make us pay. He would 
better apply to the Legislature at once 
to pass a law to have his Church (Col- 
lege) supported by the State^ — the 
public will then know what he is af- 
ter. 



118 



" 'Resolved, That we did not vote 
for J. M. Porter to be Governor of the 
East, nor to be at Harrisburg to Leg- 
islate. 

" 'Resolved, That we have a poor 
opinion of Dr. Junkin. 

■' 'Resolved, That we disapprove of 
the course taken by Richard Brod- 
head in facilitating the petition for 
Lafayette College — we did not send 
him there for such a purpose or to be 
a tool for such a mean institution and 
shaving shop. 

" 'Resolved, That we disapprove of 
the granting to Lafayette College of 
$62,000 of the hard eamings of the 
farmers and mechanics to be raised at 
some future time in the shape of a 
State Tax to keep up a private manu- 
facturing establishment and its offi- 
cers, which is an outrage upon the Peo- 
ple's rights.' 

"Many of our readers perhaps are 
not aware of the existence of such a 
paper as the 'Educator' alluded to 
above, and we would therefore ob- 
serve that it is edited and printed at 
Lafayette College — appears every 
other week— is small but neatly exe- 
cuted^ — devoted to Education, Agricul- 
ture, Puffs, &c., &c. Price, $1 per 
annum. If our Democratic Legislators 
feel warranted, notwithstanding the 
enormous State debt of from 30 to 43 
millions of dollars, to extend their lib- 
erality to the press, we would suggest 
the more Democratic mode of dispos- 
ing of the $12,000, viz: That $3000 be 
subscribed to each of the English pa- 
IJers in the County. What think you 
neighbors of the Argus and Sentinel? 
And Mr. Editor of the 'Mud Chunk 
Courier' don't be bashful, and give us 
your opinion upon this Democratic 
measure." 
'•[The Whig & Journal, Mar. 13, 1839.]" 



"LINES 

written on leaving Easton. 

Spot of my early Love! Endeared by 
all 
The fond remembrance of child- 
hood's hours, 

On whose hills I've gathered early 
flowers 
Thev echo answering to my infant 
call. 

A long — a sad farewell — the cloud that 
lowers 

Upon my path — and happy once, and 
bright — 

Can never drive you from fond mem- 
ory's sight. 
Mute idols of my Love! When I re- 
call 

The scenes you've witnessed, broken 
vows you've heard, 



Of Love & sacred Friendship, (per- 
jured word,) 
My spirit cheers and I rejoice to 

leave 
Where first I learned, to Love was 
to deceive. 
That Friendship's hand the gale of 
scandal poured. 
And spurned the one it promised to 
relieve. 

"V." 
[May 22, 1839.] 



"IMPROVEMENTS. 
"We are pleased to see the spirit 
evinced by a number of the citizens of 
Easton this spring, in endeavoring to 
beautify the borough by the erection 
of large and handsome houses. Six 
or eight of them, constructed of beauti- 
ful brick, are now in progress towards 
completion and a new foundry is going 
up in Ferry street. Almost directly 
opposite our office, Mr. James Wilson, 
is building a structure, the lower story 
of which is finished with marble, after 
the city fashion. It is intended for a 
wholesale dry goods store and dwell- 
ing-house, and when completed will 
add greatly to the appearance of the 
square. We should like to see the ex- 
ample imitated. 

"[June 5, 1839.]" 



THE EASTON DELAWARE BRIDGE. 
From the American Register of 1806. 

"This elegant and sribstantial struc- 
ture is now completed, and was opened 
for public use on Tuesday, the 14th day 
of October, 1806; and such was the at- 
traction of the occasion that the com- 
pany received on that day tolls for 855 
foot passengers over the bridge. On 
the day preceding, though the bridge 
was not yet opened for general use, a 
drove of more than 150 mules were per- 
mitted to pass over it, and by that in- 
dulgence were saved the delay of seve- 
ral hours, which must necessarily have 
been consumed in crossing the river 
by the ferryboats. Independent of the 
vast accommodations this bridge has 
added to the ordinary communication 
of the neighborhood, in which respect 
the effects is already manifested by the 
great increase of the intercourse with 
the borough, it is certain that so im- 
portant a facility will draw exclusively 
to this point the numerous travelers 
who, with their families, teams and 
cattle, are daily emigrating from the 
Eastern States to the Western and 
Northwestern country. 

The superstructure of the bridge is 
of timber, forming three spacious 
arches, erected on stone piers and 



119 



abutments of the most substantial ma- 
sonry, the piers being protected by 
sterlings or ice-breakers of correspond- 
ence strength and dimensions. The 
frame of the superstructure was con- 
structed by Timothy Palmer, of New- 
buryport, architect of the bridge over 
the Schuylkill at Philadelphia, and is 
built essentially on the same plan, but 
with improvements, the result of ex- 
perience, and accommodated to the 
local situation. The materials are of 
the best quality; the workmanship ex- 
ceeds anything of the same kind here- 
tofore executed in the United States. 
The dimensions of the bridge are as 
follows : 

ft. in. 
Length of the bridge, exclusive 
of the abutments and wing 

walls 570 

Chord of the Arches. 

Eastern arch 155 

Middle arch 157 6 

Western arch 159 4 

Width of the bridge 29 

Width of each carriage way in 

the clear 12 6 

Curvature of the arches 11 

Curvature of the floor or car- 
riage way 6 

Height in the clear, over the car- 
riage way 11 9 

Height from the surface of the 
river, at low water mark, to 

the floor 45 

Thickness of the Piers at Top. 

Eastern pier. 31 6 

Western pier 36 2 

Length of the piers 40 

Height of the piers at low water 

mark 27 

Depth of water in which the 

western pier is sunk 18 

The access to the bridge, at either 
end, is perfectly gentle and easy, form- 
ing precisely a continuation of the 
curvature of the floor, to the extent of 
the wing walls. 

The company for the erection of this 
bridge was incorporated in 1795, and 
some progress was made in the follow- 
ing year in the erection of the piers 
and abutments; but the failure of the 
funds soon suspended the work, and 
little further was attempted till 1803. 
when Samuel Sitgreaves, Esq., was 
elected president of the company, and 
with the assistance of an excellent 
board of managers undertook to re- 
store the affairs of the company. In 
the spring of 1805 the work was re- 
sumed, and the whole has been ac- 
complished, without accident or any 
untoward circumstance, in less than 
two years. The piers and abutments 
were raised to the necessary elevation 
in the first summer, and the whole of 



the superstructure was begun and com- 
pleted, by the faithful skill and dili- 
gence of about twenty-five carpenters, 
between the middle of April and the 
middle of October, being only six 
months of the present year. Mr. Sam- 
uel Carr, of Newburyport, superintend- 
ed this department of the work, and 
effected so unexampled an instance of 
industry and despatch. 

By an act passed at the last session 
of the legislature the sum of $10,000 
has been granted on a loan to the com- 
pany to enable them to cover and in- 
close the bridge, and with this fund, 
which is yet untouched, and which will 
constitute the only debt of the com- 
pany, it is intended to proceed early 
in the spring to the protection of this 
invaluable public improvement by a 
roof and weather boarding." 

"The Easton Delaware Bridge. 

On the first page of this day's im- 
pression may be found a very interest- 
ing article relative to the building and 
opening of the bridge across the Dela- 
ware at Easton, extracted from the 
"American Register." printed in Phila- 
delphia in 1806. The writer has been 
very particular in his description, 
minutely detailing every part thereof 
with the utmost precision. He even 
goes so far as to state the number that 
Ijassed it on the day of the opening and 
the amount of tolls received. The 
difficulties are hinted at that were en- 
countered in its erection, both from 
the want of funds and the manner of 
its construction, one of which the 
legislature relieved the company from 
by loaning it $10,00iX 

It may not perhaps be encroaching 
too much on the attention of our read- 
ers to trouble them with a few facts 
in addition to the article. The money 
that it mentions as having been bor- 
rowed for the completion of the bridge 
was reserved in a few years out of the 
tolls, and an offer made for its pay- 
ment to the State, but on examination 
of the law authorizing the loan it was 
discovered that no provision had been 
made to who it was to be paid, and an 
act of Assembly became consequently 
necessary for the purpose. Shortly 
after its completion the structure was 
in great danger of being carried away 
by a great freshet, which rose to with- 
in a few feet of the woodwork, and 
some of the stockholders, in their fright, 
sacrificed their shares for nearly half 
the original value. At this time there 
was no contingent fund. The com- 
pany, however, immediately began to 
realize an excellent return for the 
money invested, and not many years 
elapsed before it commenced declaring 



120 



dividends to the extent permitted by 
its charter, which is 15 per cent. This 
bridge is perhaps equal to any other 
stocl^ in the countiT. fo^r, besides de- 
claring 15 per cent on the first cost, a 
contingent fund has been reserved suf- 
ficient, it is said, to build two or three 
new ones, whilst there is but little 
probability of the Delaware ever rising 
high enough to carry it away. The 
original cost of shares was $100, and 
they now sell for $260. 

[Whig, July 3, 1839.]" 
Note. — Sixty-three years later the 
stock sells for about $600 per share.] 



PRESIDENT VAN BUREN'S VISIT 
TO EASTON. 
"The President of the United States 
on his way from Washington to New 
York arrived in this borough on Thurs- 
day afternoon last [June 27, 1839]. 
At 4 o'clock the firing of cannon and 
ringing of bells gave notice to the citi- 
zens of his approach, and shortly after, 
preceded by a cavalcade of the 'faith- 
ful,' he entered the town, and, through 
well-lined streets, was escorted to Mr. 
Olmstead's American Hotel, where 
apartments had been provided for him. 
During the afternoon he held an audi- 
ence for the reception of all who felt 
disposed to call, and we should sup- 
jjose that several hundred persons 
availed themselves of the opiK)rtunity 
to shake hands and be introduced to 
him. In the evening (by invitation) 
and accompanied by his political 
friends he attended the concert at the 
German Reformed Church, after which 
he was conducted to the home of J. M. 
Porter, Esq., where he remained all 
night. On Friday morning he called 
on several of our citizens, and at 10 
o'clock, attended by escort, he left for 
New Jersey. At Phillipsburg a large 
number of persons, 'without distinc- 
tion of party,' were in waiting to re- 
ceive and escort him to Belvidere, 
where great preparations had been 
made on his account." 

NOTICE. 

"The public schools of the borough 
of Easton will be opened on Monday 
morning, July 1st [1839]. The follow- 
ing teachers have been appointed for 
the ensuing term: Samuel Kinsey, 

Josiah Davis. Paul Higgins, 

Weyerman, Almon Ticknor, Mrs. Tiok- 
nor, Mrs. Vandyke, Mrs. Till. Mrs. 
Howell. Mrs. Roseberry, Miss Kem- 
I)her. Misses Hecht, Miss A. A. Tindall, 
Miss Shively, Miss Osterstock, Miss 
Davis and Miss Dusenbury. 

"By order of the Board of School 
Directors. H. HAMMANN, Sec." 



"PROCEEDINGS OF TOWN COUNCIL 

Easton, Friday, July 12, 1839. 
Resolved, That Mr. Smith, of New 
York, be requested to have an eques- 
trian device of Gen. Washington paint- 
ed on the hydraulic or suction engine 
now building by him for the borough, 
provided the expense thereof does not 
exceed the highest sum named in his 
proposition for the completion of the 
same." 

"THE TOWN COUNCIL AND THE 

FIRE APPARATUS OF THE 

BOROUGH OF EASTON. 

Mr. Editor: As one of the citizens of 
the borough of Easton I have viewed 
with astonishment for some time past 
the extraordinary apathy and indiffer- 
ence which appears to be manifested 
by our Town Council towards the well 
being of the fire apparatus of Easton. 
It is but two or three years since, at 
farthest, that every citizen and mem- 
ber of Council was live to the preserva- 
tion of our apparatus; committees of 
Council were appointed regularly to 
examine the same and report its condi- 
tion; and, as a stimulant for the enter- 
prising young men who have volun- 
teered their time and service to pre- 
serve their property from destruction, 
a former Council voted annual appro- 
priation to the different companies to 
defray their necessary expenses; our 
fire department was the boast of all 
our citizens, while the quantity and 
quality of its apparatus was equalled 
by no town in the State of tne same 
size. 

Now, through the negligence of our 
present Council, this most important 
portion of the property of the borough 
seems to be almost wholly forsaken, 
and the attention due to it bestowed 
on matters of minor importance. The 
companies are all left without their 
appropriations, due on the 1st of Janu- 
ary last, and in a state verging near to 
disorganization; one of the engines 
(the Humane) ordered by the Council 
to the factory in South Easton for 
repairs, which might have been all 
finished in one week or less time, has 
been suffered to remain in the repair 
shop for upwards of a year, and not 
one of our Borough Sanhedrim steps 
forward to hurry its completion and 
return to its stand. 

Why is it that so much negligence is 
manifested is more than I can divine, 
and it is a reflection upon the charac- 
ter of the town, which is anytning but 
creditable. Why do not the 'fire com- 
mittee' receive their orders to attend 
to the above matters and have the 
'Humane' rei)aired and made fit for 



121 



service without delay? I hope the 
Council will attend to this matter im- 
mediately, or they may hear 

MORE ANON." 
[July 31. 1839.] 



• NARROW E-riCAPE OF MISS MAR- 
THA MOTT. OF PHILADELPHIA. 
"On Thursday last [August 15, 1839,1 
an occurrence took place in Easton 
which had near ended in the death of 
a young lady, a Miss Mott, who, with 
her companion, had started out on 
horseback ^or a pleasant ride. When 
in the Centre Square the horse on 
which the lady was seated became 
restive, anu, being unable to manage 
him, she was almost immediately 
thrown. In falling she got between the 
fore feet of the animal and narrowly 
escaped being crushed. The lady, we 
are informed, is on a visit here from 
Philadelphia." 

Miss Mott was a daughter of William 
Beckett Mott, of Philadelphia, for some 
time a resident of Easton, where he 
married the daughter of Samuel Moore 
and sister of the late 'Squire Moore. 
She married Albert R. Foering, of 
Philadelphia, but both have been dead 
for some years. A portrait in oil of 
Miss Mott (Mrs. Foering) in riding 
costume, painted about the time of her 
narrow escape above mentioned, is the 
property of her grandniece, the wife of 
your contributor. 



THE MORUS MULTICAULIS AND 
SILKWORM EPIDEMIC OF 
SIXTY YEARS AGO. 
Beginning with about the year 1836 
a considerable interest was excited 
throughout the eastern part of 
the United States on the sub- 
ject of silk culture. Promoters of 
the project, who predicted large for- 
tunes in the enterprise, visited various 
localities and interested, by speech and 
otherwise, those inclined towards spec- 
ulation. It was shown by figures how 
at the end of seven years, on a very 
small investment, the net proceeds 
would bring to the investot- $30,000! 
and the representations of such possi- 
bilities usually ended by advertising 
for sale the "morus multicaulis," or 
white mulberry, the leaves of which 
furnished food for the silkworm. Many 
were led to invest in the undertaking, 
but with much financial loss,for,though 
plenty of food was available in the 
many mulberry trees that were grown 
and in many localities, the care of the 
eggs, worms and cocoons, and of the 
silk thread, were never perfected, and 
in a few years the craze died out. In 
Geoilgia, however, considerable pro- 



gress was made, and it was stated that 
at a session of one of the courts the 
presiding judge "appeared onthebench 
in a full suit of silk, including coat, 
vest, pantaloons, stockings, pocket 
handkerchief and stock, manufactured 
wholly by his own family, and the en- 
terprising Georgians believed then that 
before many years that domestic silk 
would be found the most economical 
article for negro clothing, as well as 
ladies' and gentlemen's dresses." 

Recently the subject has again been 
touched upon by the press, and your 
contributor believes that the revival 
of silk culture in the United States on 
a paying basis is not far distant. 



AN AUTUMN VISIT TO THE BAR- 
ONY OF NAZARETH AND 
BEYOND. 
"Yesterday a week, the weather be- 
ing delightful and the day designated 
for the holding of the anti-VanBuren 
county meeting at Bath, we took pass- 
age about 9 o'clock in a private con- 
veyance and directed our course tow- 
ards the spot where some of the choice 
spirits of the land were assembled to 
transact 'the affairs of the nation.' 
We arrived at Bath in sufficient time 
to permit us to look about and shake 
hands with a large number of our old 
friends ere dinner was announced, 
which was served up by Mr. Riegel, of 
the Bath Hotel, in a superb manner, 
and was partaken of by a company, 
which bore the strongest testimony to 
its superiority. Shortly after dinner 
the meeting was organized and con- 
ducted in such a manner that the pro- 
ceedings have given entire satisfaction 
to all except a few interested locos, 
who perceive that the policy of our 
actions will ere long have the effect of 
putting an end to their sway in North- 
ampton. During the afternoon we 
were induced to visit the grounds of 
Major W. G. Scott and B. D. Barnes, 
where several fields of the Morus 
Multicaulis are cultivated. The Trees 
are in a thrifty condition, and look re- 
markably fine. We measured several 
of the leaves, and found that they ex- 
ceeded a foot in length and the same 
in breadth. It is a pity that such ex- 
cellent leaves should be in want of the 
needful to consume them, but we were 
told that neither Major Scott or Mr. 
Barnes had any Silk Worms to prey 
upon them. On our way home, we 
stopped at Freidensthal [Gnadenthal 
was meant], the location of the Coun- 
ty iKJor house. This esta'jlishment 
which has been in operation for about 
a year, answers all the purposes 
which its institutors calculated on. In 



122 



the course of a few years, besides sup- 
porting the paupers, it is expected to 
yield a revenue to the County. The 
number of inmates at present are one 
hundred and one, about twenty of 
which are in the Hospital apartments, 
which are in a large and commodious 
building separate from the main edi- 
fice. One of the inmates of this build- 
ing particularly attracted our atten- 
tion. It was a male, about twenty-two 
years old, and who was born in 
Mauch Chunk township. His whole 
frame is debiliated, so as to require 
some one to lead him, when walking. 
His knees are close, while his legs are 
bowed, and his feet turned nearly 
straight inwards. His face is pointed 
towards the chin, and on his left hand 
the thumb and the forefinger are 
grown together with one large nail cov- 
ering and uniting ends, the little finger 
being rather larger than common. We 
then pursued our way as far as the 
honored town of Nazareth, where we 
called upon several of our friends with 
whom we had some business to trans- 
act. This is an ordinary sized town, 
of Moravian founding, and remarkable 
for its regularity and quiet. Leaving 
Nazareth, we passed the fine Morus 
Multicaulis field of Messrs. Wolle & 
Albright, the trees of which are offer- 
ed for sale by an advertisement in to- 
day's paper." 

[Sept. 25, 1839.] 



"MORUS MULTICAULIS 
25,000 
Genuine Morus Multicaulis trees, for 
sale. Persons wishing to purchase 
trees for next season's planting, will 
find it to their interest to call on the 
subscribers, ere they make engage- 
ments elsewhere. 

ALSO 
SILK WORM EGGS 
of the Mammoth. 2 Crop White and 
Sulphur kind, which will be sold reas- 
onable. 
Apply to 

E. P. WOT>LE, Nazareth, or 
J. .7. ALBRIGHT, Jacobsburg. 
Sept. 25, 1839." 



EASTON. 
"If you are a stranger at Easton you 
will be disappointed, and that very 
agreeably. It is quite a little city, 
containing about 6,000 inhabitants. It 
was laid out by the Penns in a rich, 
romantic spot. The streets are wide, 
airy, well shaded and very pleasant 
The buildings are neat, good and many 
of them in good taste. The German 
church is really handsome, and our 



fellow citizen, Thomas U. Walter, did 
himself credit when he drafted this 
beautifully proportioned steeple. It is 
uncommonly beautiful, and the eye 
turns to it often and lingers upon it as 
something which is just as it should 
be. I wish he might have power im- 
parted to him of planning and erecting 
at least fifty as handsome as this in our 
own flat-looking city. The inhabitants 
of this place and region are, for the 
most part, German. But you will say 
that in Easton they have a beautiful 
home; but if you look around, you 
soon forget this place. Around the 
town are the richest beauties. On the 
east runs the Delaware — here narrow, 
but lively and strong, and dashing on 
as if rejoicing in his strength. A little 
below comes in the Lehigh, pouring in 
as if glad to escape from individual 
responsibility and share it with one 
stronger, while just above comes down 
the wild Bushkill river, fierce and noisy 
as a modern reformer, seeming to feel 
as if he could give new laws to old 
Delaware the moment he can reach 
him; but when he gets in his voice is 
hushed and the old river moves on 
hardly noticing his noisy friend, and 
the enthusiastic reformer passes away 
and in a moment is forgotten. Here, 
then, are the 'Forkes of the Delaware,' 
just below Easton, at the confluence of 
the Delaware and the Lehigh; and 
here, where the acting sun still gilds 
a most beautiful spot, did that wonder- 
ful man, David Brainerd, meet and 
preach to the Indians. How often, 
how simply and how beautifully does 
he refer to the 'Forkes of the Dela- 
ware' in his diary? He did a great 
work. He was a wonderful specimen 
of human nature. He finished his 
work at the early age of 30 and went 
to rest. I have often walked in the 
little footpath which goes around his 
grave and seen those who have dropped 
a tear over Martyn's grave, in Persia, 
also drop a tear here. And here, at 
the 'Forkes of the Delaware,' still wave 
the tall sycamore trees under which 
that self-denying man taught the tawny 
sons of the forest as they came around 
him as a father and loved him as their 
own souls. 

"The hills which surround Easton 
are lofty and in their proportions ex- 
quisite. They were unknown and un- 
expected to me. I have seen nothing 
like them in Pennsylvania, and if I 
were to select a spot on which to erect 
a country seat, having more money 
and time than I knew what to do with, 
I should certainly select one of these 
hills as the spot. You have only to see 
them, having an eye to admire the pic- 
turesque and the beautiful, and you 



123 



will more than agree with me. On one 
of these hills stands Lafayette College, 
over which Dr. Junkin presides. It 
stands high on a hill with a name too 
classical for my everyday pen, and is 
so situated that it cannot be hid. In 
a few days it has its commencement 
and graduates nine — an uncommonly 
large class! Tney have contrived 
various plans, and are still contriving, 
to make it great and poweriul; but, 
alas! so long as they begin at the 
ridge-pole and build downwards they 
will find the smoke all comes down the 
chimney and the building is wrong end 
upwards. They import teachers and 
professors, they tack a teachers' school 
to it! All in vain. They begin at the 
ridge-pole and it takes much time to 
wipe tue smoke out of their eyes and 
adjust and continue things. I shall 
touch on the real difficulty hereafter; 
and, while I have no doubt the teach- 
ers and guardians of this college are 
doing all they can, yet I am satisfied 
that they are for the present to 'rake 
hay on a fern pasture.' 

"Easton contains two banks, thirty- 
six stores, whose aggregate capital is 
estimated at $350,000. Its mills manu- 
facture 80,000 barrels of flour, 18,000 
barrels of cornmeal and 750 barrels of 
oil. A little south of it are two blast 
furnaces, one wire factory, one foun- 
dry, one rolling and slittling mill, and 
nail factory, two saw mills, each cut- 
ting a million of feet annually, two 
merchant mills and one cotton factory. 
They are now endeavoring to construct 
the Belvidere Railroad, from Trenton 
to Belvidere, on the banks of the Dela- 
ware, a distance of about sixty-two 
miles. The estimated cost is a little 
more than $1,000,000. They have a 
charter with banking privileges to the 
amount of $500,000, so that their stock 
will be $1,500,000. At first sight you 
would suppose the receipts could hard- 
ly pay the interest, but the travel now 
amounts to $fi0,000 annually, and when 
you reflect that 3,000 lumbermen now 
descend this river annually, that the 
whole region is ohe rich in lumber, in 
lime, in coal and in wheat, you cannot 
doubt but the thing will go. Place 
yourself upon the summit of the Kit- 
taning Mountain where it is cleft by 
the Delaware and where you look down 
on that river as it rolls 1.200 feet below 
you, where, too, you throw your eye 
over a vast fleld of fertile soil, and you 
feel that these regions have not yet 
begun to pour their wealth out into the 
world. Warren county alone, even 
now, sends nearly one million of grain 
to market. One of her foundries yields 
30!) tons of stove i)late and 500 tons of 
pig iron annually. What then will not 



the whole region do when the railroad 
is completed? It will open a section of 
country probably surpassed by none in 
mineral and agricultural wealth, and 
scarcely rivalled by any in scenery 
grand and beautiful." 
Philadelphia "North American", Sept. 
25, 1839. 



A CARD. 

"C. S. BISHOP would beg leave re- 
spectfully to inform the public that he 
is not, as is reported "confined to his 
bed with the small pox" it being an- 
other person of the name of Bishop in 
another part of the town, who has 
the varioloid lightly, and is to be be- 
lieved the only case in the Borough. 
As he designs going to New York this 
week to purchase goods, he has taken 
this method to undeceive the public, 
as his absence from the store might 
have a tendency to strengthen the re- 
port and injure his business. 

"Easton, May 1, 1839." 

"MAMMOTH CIRCUS. 

Under the direction of 

Messrs. Fogg & Stickney. 

The proprietors of this splendid es- 
tablishment inform the citizens of Eas- 
ton and neighborhood, that they will 
perform with their unrivalled Com- 
pany in Easton on Bixler's lot. on the 
hill, on 

Thursday & Friday, 

The 29th and 30th days of August inst. 

11839.1 

The proprietors will here take oc- 
casion to remark that among other em- 
inent performers MR. STICKNEY. 
the unrivalled equestrain (lately of 
Ducrow's Circus, London), will go 
through his wonderful displays of 
horsemanship. 

For particulars see large bills. 

An efficient police will be on the 
ground to preserve order. 

The Mammoth Circus will perform 
at Bath on Wednesday the 28th Aug- 
ust." 



MORE FRUITS OF LAFAYETTE'S 
EARLY CURRICULUM. 
THE ROHAN POTATOE. 
"The Editor of the Sentinel states 
that he was shown some of the Rohan 
Potatoes raised by Dr. Junkin, of La- 
fayette College, and that they were re- 
markable for their size and beauty. 
We can bear testimony to all that our 
neighbor of the Sentinel has asserted, 
and go a step farther — we not only saw 
some of them but also tested their 
qualities, having been presented with 
some for that purpose, and found them 



124 



equal if not superior to the best MER- 
CER. As we know that our neighbor 
is fond of good things and we have sev- 
eral of them undemolished, we here- 
by tender him the thing polite for the 
day on which they are to be served 
up. 

We are informed that Dr. Junkin has 
about 180 bushels of them for sale, for 
the purpose of cultivation. Our farm- 
ers and gardeners would do well to 
provide themselves with some, as 
their yield is much greater than that 
of any other potatoe, while their qual- 
ity, generally, is superior. 

"(Oct. 23, 1839.1" 



A TALISMAN FOR VAIN REGRETS 
— and gladness on its wing. 

"REAM. 
"Easton, Peniia., October, 1839." 



In the olden times a stroll along the 
Lehigh, Bushkill and Delaware inspir- 
ed the writing of many poetical lines 
of merit. In the near future I pro- 
pose to devote considerable space to 
some of the poets and poetry of Eas- 
ton. 
To MISS MARY N..k..k 

of Pittsgrove, Salem County, N. J. 
"We may not meet as I could wish, by 

moonlight's holy beam. 
Beneath the spreading SYCAMORE, 

along sweet Lehigh's stream; 
Thou may'st not see the Tyrian dyes, 

that d«ck our forest trees 
As gorgeously they catch their tints, 

from early Autumn's breeze 
It pains my heart as thus it is — that 

changeless destiny. 
Should sever us, when scenes so rich, 

might now be shared with thee 
And yet to know that thou art blest — 

that in thy bosom's shrine. 
Affections deep, and cherish'd ties, to- 
gether intertwine. 
That youth, and grace, and innocence, 

and eyes of light and love. 
Art thine, — a precious offering, — meet 

for thy Mother's love? 
That happiness, like points of light, ir- 
radiates thy heart. 
Which with the magnet's pow'r can 

hold, and yet to all impart. 
From its rich fount, the treasur'd 

store, — with witchery of will 
'Til sadness flees- thine influence, and 

troubled thoughts are still. 
Oh! yes to know that these are thine — 

this heritage of peace. 
This grant to naught but innocence, to 

to holiness and grace, 
I will not wake regrets for thee — I may 

not wish thee here. 
But joy that tho' thy stay was brief, I 

MADE A FRIEND SO DEAR, 
Then sweetest that we meet again — in 

mem'ry's hallow'd dream 
I pray thee in the hush of night, RE- 
CALL SWEET LEHIGH'S STREAM; 
Fond memory's soften'd lights, and 

shades, around us thus may bring. 



"ANOTHER REVOLUTIONARY 
HERO GONE. Died at his residence 
in EJaston, on Wednesday last. Cap- 
tain John Carey, sen. a soldier of the 
American Revolution, aged 86 years 
— months and 25 days. 

"[Nov. 27, 1839.]" 



125 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES RELATING 
TO EASTON AND NORTHAMP- 
TON COUNTY, PA., AND 
THEIR INHABITANTS. 



"Not to know what has been trans- 
acted in former times is always to re- 
main a child." 



NEW SERIES NO. 12. 



Contributed by Ethan A. Weaver. 



"NORTHAMPTON HORSE INSUR- 
ANCE COMPANY. 
"A list of the Officers and Members 
of the 'Northampton Horse Insurance 
Company' for detecting horse thieves, 
and other villains, and recovering the 
property stolen. 

"JOHN LA WALL, President. 

"JOSEPH DIETRICH, Secretary. 

"JACOB SEIP, Treasurer. 
"Directors — L. Frankenfield, P. Od- 
enwelder, Sr., Joseph Edelman, P. 
Frankenfield, Daniel Weitzell, Philip 
Metzgar, John Schwartz, Henry Lerch, 
Jesse Kermerrer. 

"Active Members^ — Charles Brown, 
M. Messinger, Jr., Jacob Odenwelder, 
J. Odenwelder, Jr., Barnet Odenwel- 
der, Joseph Brown, George Brinker, 
Peter Kocher, Abraham Sailer, Peter 
Cole, Michael Able, Adam Sandt, John 
S. Oberly, Isaac Ritter, John Best, 
Michael Boyer, Adam Clause, Henry 
Clause, Peter Kemmerer, George Ober- 
ly, Isaac Brown, Fred Schweitzer.Jacob 
Snyder, John Lerch, Edward Shimer, 
Aaron Kichline, Jonas Hackman, Jacob 
Paulus, John G. Koehler, Christian 
Yeager, Conrad Schweitzer, George 
Levers, Christian Knecht, Chas. Weit- 
zell, Jonas Lerch, John Gradwold, Abm. 
Koch, John Brader, John Kessler,Jacob 
Keller, Michael Weaver, John Shively, 
Abm. Heller, Peter Seip, Peter Rohn, 
Fred'k Lerch, John Freeman, Daniel 
Ritter, Adam Breidinger, A. Rhein- 
heimer, George Vogel, Peter Lawall, 
Henry C. Beitel, J. M. Porter, John 
Dewalt, Michael Spengler, Jacob Hess, 
Daniel W. Butz, Benj. Dietrich, Aman- 
dus Heinley, Wm. Shouse, Isaac Hack- 
man, David Odenwelder, Joseph B. 
Jones, Jesse Laubach, Peter Lawall, 
Jr., J. B. Odenwelder, J. Odenwelder, 
Jr., Jacob Wootring, Jos. Hagenbuch, 
Valentine Uhler, John Brown, Peter 
Buss, Abm. Staufer, Daniel Koch.Jacob 
Able, Lewis Seip, Adam Hahn, Samuel 
EJngler, Andrew Dech, John Haltaman, 
Thomas Dech, Adam Bruch, John 
Dech, Col. John Dech, Daniel Balliet, 
Jacob Rothrock. John Engler, George 



Ehret, Thomas Boyer, Isaac Schweitz- 
er, George Frederick, George Messin- 
ger, John Schweitzer, Daniel Schortz, 
Charles Hay, Joseph Jones, Simon H. 
Jones, Philip Lerch, Peter Correll, Sr., 
John Laubach, Jacob Harman, George 
Dewalt, George Kessler, Henry Keim, 
C. Weidknecht,Jr., Philip Miller, Jacob 
Bauer, Michael Kichline, Gen. Peter 
Ihrie, George Snyder, L. Frankenfield, 
Jr.. Thomas Oberly, Anthony TTansue, 
John Kocher. 

"JOSEPH DEITRICH. Sec'ry. 
"February 12, 1840." 



"DEATH OF EX-GOVERNOR WOLF. 

The sudden and unexpected demise 
of ex-Governor Wolf, which occurred 
on Wednesday morning [March 11, 
1840] at 9 o'clock, calls for a passing 
notice at our hands. The position 
which Mr. Wolf occupied for many 
years in our State, and the influence 
he has exercised in the conduct of its 
affairs will render a brief sketch of his 
career not unacceptable to our read- 
ers. He was born in Northampton 
county, in the month of August, 1777, 
and was accordingly in his 63rd year 
at the time of his decease. He was 
descended from German parents, and 
the first notice we have of him is as 
an Usher in a school in that county, of 
which he was afterwards principal be- 
fore he had closed his minority; while 
occupied in teaching, he was preparing 
himself for admission to the Bar, un- 
der the superintendance of the late 
Judge Ross, of the Supreme Court of 
the State, to which he was called at 
the age of 21. His first public appoint- 
ment was that of Clerk of the Or- 
phans' Court of Northampton County, 
under the administration of Simon 
Snyder. After holding this for some 
time, he resigned it in order to be 
elected to the Legislature. He soon re- 
linquished this station in order to de- 
vote himself more assiduously to the 
duties of his profession. 

In the year 1824 he was elected to the 
House of Representatives of Congress 
from the Northampton District, on 
which body he continued a member 
until his election as Governor of the 
State, in the fall of 1829. He was re- 
elected to this high station in 1832, 
and in 1835 was a candidate for re- 
election, but was defeated by Mr. Rit- 
ner. In this last contest Mr. Wolf re- 
ceived the votes of a large portion of 
the anti-Jackson party. In June, 1836, 
he was appointed by General Jackson. 
First Comptroller of the Treasury De- 
partment, and in March. 183S by Mr. 
Van Buren, Collector of this Port, Mr. 
Barker, the former Collector, succeed- 
ing him in the Comptroller's Office. 



126 



"Mr. Wolf was during his whole life 
a member of the Democratic party, 
and was during the strife, which oc- 
curred in its ranks a few years since 
in this State, the acknowledged head 
and candidate of the larger and more 
moderate division of it. As Governor 
of the State, he was a staunch friend 
to a system of Internal Improvements, 
and the firm, steady and unflinching 
advocate of a liberal system of general 
education. During his administration 
a strong impetus was given to that 
cause. As a Governor he had few su- 
periors among those who have been el- 
evated to that station. His measures 
were distinguished for moderation 
and calmness, and the great personal 
influence he possessed added addition- 
al force to his recommendations. 

On the announcement of his decease 
yesterday, the Colors of the shipping 
in the river were displayed at half 
mast, and the U. S. District Court im- 
mediately adjourned its session. Mr. 
Kern, the Deputy Collector, will act as 
Collector until the appointment of a 
successor.— 'North American.' " 



QUEEN VICTORIA'S MARRIAGE 
ANNOUNCEMENT. 
"Married. — In London, on the 11th of 
February [1840], by the Rev. Dr. Can- 
terbury, Mr. Albert Coburg, of Saxe- 
Coburg, to Miss Victo*""" '^-uelph, of the 
former place." 



BOROUGH ELECTION, 1840. 
"The election for Justices of the 
Peace and town officers for the borough 
of Easton took place on Friday last 
[March 20th ]. The number of candi- 
dates for the different offices was un- 
commonly large, and the contest a 
very spirited one. Nearly 700 votes 
were polled. The candidates for the 
office of Justice and Constable were 
run without distinction of party. Three 
Council tickets were voted for, and 
parts of each elected. In Bushkill 
Ward both parties ran a full ticket. 
The Whig ticket was elected. In Le- 
high Ward the Locos succeeded, as 
usual, in electing their ticket, the oppo- 
sition being merely nominal. Below 
we give a full account of the votes 
polled for eax^h candidate. The names 
of the successful ones are marked (*). 
Town Council. 

LehiKh KuHhkill 
»> ard VVarfl 

*John A. Innes 231 144 

*Edward J. Seip 226 134 

*Solin Chapin 168 121 

William L. Sebring 154 125 

George Barnet (M) 98 127 

*Benj. Ihrie, for one year.. 235 122 



Peter Snyder ditto 92 139 

School Directors. 

*David W. Davis 140 92 

♦William Hackett 139 100 

Traill Green 72 125 

John Stewart 72 121 

Auditors. 

♦Abraham Gosner 143 96 

♦Thomas Sletor 143 97 

♦Abraham Coryell 143 97 

Justices of the Peace. 

♦Jacob Weygandt 175 

♦Melchoir Horn 158 

Jefferson K. Heckman.... 146 

Abraham Sigman, Sr 84 

Charles E. Buck 31 

George Barnet (C) 24 

♦Samuel Kinsey 117 

♦Christopher Mixsell, Sr.. 106 

James Russing 95 

John R. Gray 83 

F. W. Muller 82 

William P. Spering 32 

Henry Hill 20 

Judges. 

♦A. H. Reeder 91 

Adam Yohe 59 

♦A. E. Brown 139 

Charles Kitchen 53 

Inspectors. 

♦George Straub 101 

♦Jacob H. Wilking 71 

♦William J. Browne 132 

♦John Await 55 

Assessors. 

♦Josiah P. Hetrich 120 

♦John Schlough 59 

♦Joseph Horn 95 

Assistant Assessors. 

♦Peter Nungessor 85 

♦Samuel Troxell 85 

♦James Thompson 122 

♦Hopewell Hepburn 122 

Peter Ihrie 63 

John J. Burke 63 

Constables. 

♦»amuel Walter 183 

Henry Snyder 175 

Charles D. Horn 48 

♦John Leidich 139 

Jacob Lesher 102 

Michael S. Miller 69 

William H. Kimberly 47 

[March -o, 1840.] 



THE INITIAL MOVEMENTS IN THE 

HARRISON CAMPAIGN. 
"Tippecanoe Club — Harrison and Bet- 
ter Times. 
A stated meeting of the Tippecanoe 
Club of Northampton county will be 
held at the house of Mrs. White on to- 
morrow evening, April 2d, at early 
candle light. The friends of Harrison 
and Tyler are invited to attend. 
WILLIAM J. BROWNE, Secretary. 
April 1, 1840." 



127 



"Tippecanoe Club. 

The friends of Harrison and Tyler in 
Easton have formed themselves into 
an association denominated the 'Tip- 
pecanoe Club of Northampton County' 
for the purpose of promoting the elec- 
tion of the above-named distinguished 
individuals. At an election for officers 
held at the house of S. Adams last 
week the following gentlemen were 
chosen to serve for one year: 

President — Alexander E. Brown. 

Vice Presidents — Jacob Weygandt, 
Samuel Yohe, Lawrence Troxell and 
William H. Thompson. 

Corresponding Secretaries — John 
Shouse, G. W. Yates and Edward 
Bishop. 

Recording Secretary — William J. 
Browne. 

Treasurer — William Cawley. 

Financial Committee- — Adam Yohe, 
Josiah P. Hetrich and Joseph Barnet. 
[April 1, 1840.]" 



MILITIA ELECTION. 
"The following returns of the elec- 
tion for Brigade Inspector of the First 
Brigade, Seventh Division, P. M., to fill 
the vacancy occasioned by the resig- 
nation of Major George Schlabach, 
have just been received, from which it 
would appear that Col. Charles Kindt, 
of the 140th Regiment, is elected by a 
handsome majority. 

C. Kindl'B J.Dietrich. 

Majoritv a.ajority 

97th Regt, 1st Bat 40 22 

140th Regt., 1st Bat... 19 

140th Regt., 2d Bat 170 

26th Regt., 1st Bat 13 

Northampton Vol. Bat. 16 



51 



178 



"A RICH TREAT FOR THE LOVERS 
OF MUSIC. 
The proposed concert of the 'Har- 
monic Society of the Borough of Eas- 
ton for the Promotion of Music' will 
afford to the friends of true musical 
science an opportunity of at once grati- 
fying their own taste and promoting a 
pious and praiseworthy object. Mr. 
Jedediah Weiss, under whose direction 
it will be given, is a gentleman of fin- 
ished musical education. He is pos- 
sessed of a splendid barytone voice, 
and his thorough knowledge of music 
gives to his performances a character 
rarely excelled. The progress of his 
class, under his superintendence, is 
said to be wonderful. We trust he will 
be liberally patronized. We learn that 



the concert of the Harmonic Society 
will be held on Thursday evening, the 
Hth inst., at the Presbyterian Church, 
instead of Wednesday, the 13th, as 
stated in our last. Tickets may be had 
at the Easton and American Hotels 
and at the stores of Mr. H. Hammann, 
Messrs. C. & R. Innes, Mr. James Wil- 
son, Mr. Peter Pomp, Mr. Henry Sny- 
der and Charles H. Luch's confectiona- 
ries, and at the office of the 'Whig.' 
Price of tickets, 25 cents." 

[May 6, 1840.] 



CELEBRATION IN NORTHAMPTON 
COUNTY IN HONOR OF GEN. 
HARRISON, FOR HIS VIC- 
TORY AT THE THAMES. 

"The continual cry of Gen. Harrison's 
defamers is that he never rendered the 
country any service and that the people 
are in no way indebted to him for any 
of the brilliant victories of the late 
war. Now, as the memories of some 
persons are rather short and often re- 
quire to be refreshed, it may not be 
amiss to call the attention of the Loco 
Focos of this county, and those especi- 
ally who are forever reviling and tra- 
ducing the old General, to the following 
notice of a celebration held at Heller- 
town, Lower Saucon, in the month of 
October, 1813. Many of those who are 
now opposed to the General then bore 
the most honorable testimony to his 
ability, patriotism and distinguished 
services. This testimony is recorded 
in the journals of the day, and many 
still live amongst us who were eye- 
witnesses to the proceedings given be- 
low. How silly then for them to think 
that by their present blackguard prac- 
tice they can efface the effects of their 
former honest professions. Read the 
following from the 'Friedensbothen' 
(a German paper published at Allen- 
town) of the 28th of October, 1813: 

'The volunteer companies and citi- 
zens of the neighborhood of Heller- 
town, Northampton county, assembled 
to celebrate the 'glorious victory' of 
Gen. Harrison at the Thames. Capt. 
George Hess' (now Judge Hess, who 
instantly marched in defence of his 
country when it was threatened with 
invasion) Northampton Jaegers, Capt. 
Rinker's Rifle Company, from Allen- 
town, and Capt. Ott's Rifle Company, 
were present. And among the pro- 
ceedings of the celebration we find the 
following flattering compliment in the 
shape of a regular toast: 

'GENERAL HARRISON— A True 
American — no traitor Hull. He has 
achieved a full and glorious victory 
over the British and Indians in the 
Northwest. Health to Gen. Harrison 



128 



and his brave army.' Nine guns. 

Dare our neighbor of the 'Sentinel' 
publish the above in his paper of this 
week? Many of his readers no doubt 
would be pleased to see it." 

[June 10, 1840.] 



HARRISON AND TYLER. 

(Picture of Log Cabin.) 

"Log Cabin Boys to the Rescue. 

A meeting of the Democratic Harrison 
men of the borough of Easton will be 
held on Saturday evening next, the 27th 
inst., at the house of William Gould. 
Let all who are in favor of the 

OLD HERO 
— all who want to help Old Tip flog 
Proctor and the Indians a second time 
— all who are opposed to the 

Loco Foco Reduction of Wages 
— all who are opposed to the Legisla- 
ture receiving $3 a day while at home 
for a month — all who are opposed to 
VanBuren's standing army — all in favor 
of the Constitution, the Law and bet- 
ter times come un to the help of the 
people against the officeholders to 
make arrangements for celebrating the 
approaching anniversary of our Nation- 
al Independence. 

By order of the Borough St. Co. 

Easton, June 24, 1840." 



CELEBRATION OF THE 4TH OF 
JULY, 184 ). 

An event which the present genera- 
tion heard much about from their 
fathers and grandfathers. 

"The anniversary of our Independ- 
ence just passed will be a day long held 
In pleasing remembrance by our citi- 
zens. To do justice to a description 
of the very many interesting incidents 
of its celebration is not our expecta- 
tion. Words cannot portray them. 
As soon as our town clock struck 12 on 
the night of the 3d the fine music of 
our spirited band was heard playing a 
national air. They continued for an 
hour serenading those of our ladies 
who with burning love of country and 
patriotic spirit, which so generally 
characterizes America's fair daughters, 
had rendered us apropos assistance in 
the preparation for our political fete. 
About 1 a. m. they had finished and ar- 
rived in front of the Log Cabin, over 
which floated the flag of our country. 
Everything was there in readiness to 
put in its proper position, across the 
street, a large and splendid American 
flag, which had been made for the 
Whigs by the young ladies of the bor- 
ough. It went up most gallantly, and 
when it hung in midair, the stars and 
stripes waving gracefully to the winds, 



the band struck up 'Hail, Columbia!' 
Excited by the soul-stirring air and the 
rehearsal of the conclusion of Rodman 
Drake's noble lyric, 'The American 
Flag,' commencing with 
'Flag of the free hearts' hope and home 
By angel hands to valor given,' 
very opportunely and finely repeated 
by H. D. Maxwell, Esq., thirteen cheers 
went up from the patriotic voices, 
which must have satisfied the fair 
daughters who had made it, and some 
of whom, we learn, had waited close by 
to see the 'raising,' that that 'proud 
sheet' was in the proper hands. 

"The Democratic Whigs had selected 
for their place of dining a fine large 
lot near the centre of the town belong- 
ing to Samuel Shouse, Esq., who had 
kindly given them permission to make 
such use of it as they deemed proper. 
A small portion of the front was occu- 
pied by an Old Log House that was no 
longer tenanted, which was found very 
useful by our Committee of Arrange- 
ments. Upon the lot there were erect- 
ed three sets of tables, each over 100 
feet in length, made of boards, and the 
whole covered with a high roof of awn- 
ings and boat covers. At the front 
were planted several beautiful spruce 
trees, making between them a fine 
entrance, over which and extending 
along each side were placed spruce, 
laurel and other evergreens, forming 
three arches. Across the whole was 
placed, in large letters, the rallying 
cry, Harrison, Tyler and Democracy.' 

"Early in the morning the offerings 
of our friends began to pour in. The 
cabin was covered with furs and skins, 
as though a band of hunters and trap- 
pers had just arrived. A musket, 
bearing the motto, 'From Fort Meigs,' 
was hanging over them. A handsome 
bouquet of fiowers, with the motto, 
'Bring Flowers to Strew in the Con- 
querors' Path,' was presented. It was 
placed over cxie centre of the arch, and 
the motto, soon printed in a semi- 
circle, placed under it. The invitation 
was at once accepted by the fair dames 
who saw it, and flowers in abundance 
were in a few minutes interspersed 
with the evergreens. 

"At 10 o'clock a. m. our citizens at- 
tended the German Reformed Church 
to listen to our talented fellow-citizen, 
Willis Gaylord Clark, Esq., of Philadel- 
phia, who had been invited by one of 
the literary societies of Lafayette Col- 
lege to deliver a poem before them. 
Finding it difficult to compress the sub- 
ject he wished to treat of in the small 
compass usually allowed to a poem, he 
changed the exercise into an address, 
interspersed with that bright and beau- 
tiful poetry for which he is so distin- 



129 



guished. It was indeed a masterly 
composition — cliaste, animating and 
forcible. The only matter of regret 
was that his weak state of health pre- 
vented him giving to its utterance that 
loud tone of voice the large size of the 
building required. Previous to the ad- 
dress the Declaration of Independence 
was distinctly read by Enoch Green, 
Esq., of New Jersey. 

"After these interesting exercises 
had closed we walked down to the 'Tip- 
pecanoe Ground' to see how things 
looked there. We found it alive with 
animation. The ladies were there in 
numbers to see our 'fixins,' bringing 
with tnem wreaths of posies, cakes 
handsomely decorated with flowers, 
and other offerings — evidences of their 
true hearts' wishes. Soon the sinewy 
frames of men poured in. They came 
literally 'as the waves come' — surge 
upon surge. The true bone and sinew of 
the land — the workingmen, the farm- 
ers, the mechanics and merchantmen 
not the Tories, or sons of Tories, but 
men whose sires had toiled, suffered 
and fought to secure the Independence 
which their representatives had on the 
day of which this was the anniversary 
declared should be theirs and their 
children's, and who now came up to 
enroll themselves in the contest for 
principles upon the issue for which 
they believed depended the preserva 
tion of the proud heritage bequeathed 
them. Little Jersey answered to our 
invitation most nobly. Her gallant 
'Blues' came pouring in to tell us that 
though her broad seal had been tram- 
pled on it should yet be respected. 

"Knowing the great efforts that had 
been making by the Loco Focos to try 
and counteract the enthusiasm which 
is spreading throughout the whole land 
—that they had been preparing for 
weeks for their procession, been send- 
ing out couriers to all the leaders in 
this and the neighboring counties to 
impress upon them the necessity of a 
large turn-out to overawe the Whigs 
and preserve their ranks from the de- 
sertion which was so rapidly thinning 
them — and fearing that as our deter- 
mination to celebrate the 4th could not 
be generally known to our friends, hav- 
ing only been made the Saturday pre- 
vious; recollecting also how busy our 
farmers now were in their harvest, it 
had been deemed inadvisable to at- 
tempt a procession. But when the 
Loco Foco force was seen in straggling 
ranks, stretched out yards asunder, 
swelled by boys, our farmers would 
listen to no refusal, but, knowing we 
far outnumbered them in this, their 
boasted stronghold, insisted upon hav- 
ing a procession. It was agreed to in 



a minute, Joseph Barnet appointed 
Chief Marshal and Adam Yohe, Ed- 
mund Bishop, Josiah P. Hetrich, J. 
Emons, Jacob D. Deitrich, Thomas 
Barr and W. Thomas nis assistants. 
The banners mat had been nailed fast 
at our tables were hastily unfastened, 
t..e band struck up a lively tune and 
the people were soon in order, and a 
more imposing procession our borougii 
has never witnessed. 

"At its head, under the direction of 
the Chief Marshal, was carried the 
iippecanoe Banner, which was lately 
presented by the young ladies of E^as- 
ton to 'The Tippecanoe Club.' It was 
made of silk, with a well-executed Log 
Cabin sketched upon it, anu did great 
credit to the beautiful girls whose 
handiworiv it was. How their kindness 
was appreciated the club has told 
them. Next was the President of the 
Day and Reader of the Declaration of 
Independence. Following these were 
as many of our Jersey guests as we 
could in the haste of our gathering 
get together, and then came on the 
"People' in their might indeed. We 
saw among the banners that were in- 
terspersed over the whole procession 
some which were well designed. The 
Mechanics had one admirably exe- 
cuted; on it were painted the plane, 
the drawing knife, the axe and other 
sharp implements of their business, 
with the severe motto that tells the 
workingmen's feeling: 'Buchanan, Be- 
ware of Edge Tools.' Upon another 
one, clad in mourning, a sketch of a 
sword entangled in the clasp of a 
purse, with the motto: 'Purse and 
Sword United July 1, 184i).' There 
were others with good Whig mottoes, 
as 'The Union of the Whigs for the 
Sake of the Union.' 

"Unprecedented as this procession 
was, with many of our friends not yet 
arrived — the hour of meeting not come 
— many of them in the houses of their 
acquaintances and many of them at- 
tending to business, we outnumbered 
our opponents. Both processions were 
frequently counted and we have heard 
but one opinion from impartial men. 
It is said several of their own friends 
who were observed counting, on com- 
paring notes, made out but twenty 
majority. Had they been at head- 
quarters when we returned and all 
gathered in they would have reversed 
it with the figure 1, and allowed us 
over 100 more than theirs, according to 
the truth. The procession, accompa- 
nied by the band, marched through 
several of the streets and returned to 
the place where dinner had been pro- 
vided at 2 p. m. Here, too, was seen 
our strength of numbers. Some of our 



130 



friends had deemed our preparations 
on entirely too large a scale and that 
we would be laughed at for our empty 
tables. Not one-half could at first get 
seats around the board. The best of 
order, however, prevailed, and by those 
first down giving away to others all 
were accommodated and not a man 
but what was satisfied. The 200 pies 
our kind mothers, wives and sisters 
had sent us were much lauded. 

"After the removal of the cloth the 
following gentlemen were appointed 
Vice Presidents, who, with H. D. Max- 
well, President of the Day, officiated 
as the officers of the meeting: George 
Knecht, Peter S. Michler, Abraham 
Serfoss, Richard T. Downing, Jacob 
Deiterich, Christian Brown, Jesse Shi- 
mer, Jacob Weygandt, John Cressman, 
Michael Spangler. Harry Desh, Samuel 
Brodt, Jacob Boorem, Abraham Koeh- 
ler, Henry Werkheiser, Frederick Lerch, 
John Kemmerer and Abraham Shimer. 
The Declaration of Independence was 
read by John Shouse, Esq., in a clear 
and forcible manner. A number of 
toasts were then drank with an enthu- 
siasm that showed the mouth gave ut- 
terance to heart's feelings. Among 
these were: 

'• 'The Heroes and Sages of the Rev- 
olution — a gallant band of patriots, 
who pledged their lives, their fortunes 
and the honors for America's Inde- 
pendence — green be their memories.' — 
Drank standing. 

" 'The Tippecanoe Ladies of Easton 
• — beautiful, amiable and lovely. Their 
cheering smiles and encouraging to- 
kens of remembrance inspire us with 
renewed feelings in favor of the Log 
Cabin Chief of our choice. We pledge 
them a hearty bumper for 

They are our Log Cabin girls, 
The dear and lovely lasses. 

We are their Hard Cider boys. 
In spirit none surpass us. 

"When the gallant Jersey, whose 
soil was stained with the best blood of 
the Revolution, and almost every plain 
a battle ground, was toasted and her 
wrongs alluded to — that true Whig, 
Judge W. P. Robeson, though wholly 
unaccustomed to public speaking, could 
not keep down, but in a strong speech, 
that his fellow guests from that State 
spiritedly responded to, replied to the 
sentiment that was given. 

"After the regular toasts were given, 
the President of the Day in a few re- 
marks stated the fact of our having in 
our town a distinguished fellow citi- 
zen, whose talent he deservedly com- 
plimented whom he said fatigue and 
indisposition prevented being with us, 
and proposed the following toast: 

"By the President of the Day: 



" WILLIS GAYLORD CLARK, Esq., 
our friend and guest; may his visit to 
our hills and valleys furnish many a 
theme for that 'bridge poesy' which so 
often flashes from his brilliant imagi 
nation, to instruct, delight and amuse 
We greet him most cordially at our 
festal board; a true friend of Liberty 
and the rights of man.' 

"A copy of this toast with a beauti- 
ful wreath composed of laurel box and 
flowers, which some fair hand had 
worked for the poet, was sent to him 
by a committee appointed for the pur- 
pose. To which they received an op- 
propriate reply, regretting his neces- 
sary absence, and sending us the fol- 
lowing sentiment: 



" 'The Whigs of Pennsylvania — They 
Deserve to Win the State. They can 
do it; they should do it; they will do 
it!' This his friend, John C. Mont- 
gomery, Esq., announced on his behalf, 
and it was received with an applause 
that showed that those sons of the Key- 
stone State who were present would 
not be wanting to have the prophecy 
ulfilled. 

"While Mr. Montgomery was ac- 
knowledging, on the part of Mr. Clark, 
his grateful feeling at their kind com- 
pliments it was ascertained, so great 
was the crowd, that although the whole 
space covered by the awning was liter- 
ally packed, hundreds were without the 
range of hearing, and, at their request, 
our guest, with the President, took 
their places upon a furniture scaffold- 
ing belonging to Mr. Francis Y. Dawes, 
adjoining the lot upon which the ladies 
— anxious as they always are to listen 
to the friends of the liberties of the 
country — had been stationed. When 
he had concluded the reply on behalf 
of Mr. Clark, A. E. Brown, Esq., pro- 
posed: 

" 'John C. Montgomery — The Elo- 
quent and Fearless Advocate of Gen. 
Harrison. We hail him with heart and 
hand, and bid him welcome to the 
clear streams and blue hills of North- 
ampton.' 

"Which was received with enthusias- 
tic cheers. 

"This called out this distinguished 
friend of the Old Soldier, who, with 
that sauvity and force that is so natu- 
ral to him and the great fund of statis- 
tical information that he possesses to 
an extraordinary degree, addressed the 
people. 

"While thus engaged a serious acci- 
dent occurred, which liked to have 
marred the festivities of the occasion. 
The staging containing the speaker 
and many of our most beautiful, inter- 
esting and lovely ladies came with a 



131 



crash to the ground, a distance of some 
ten feet, prostrating all on it. It was 
an awful moment. To the eyes of the 
spectators all seemed to have been 
crushed together. The whole assem- 
bly, eager to assist, rushed forward. 
A word, however, from some of the pru- 
dent checked them. Enough were there 
the moment it tell to disengage those 
who were struggling among the rub- 
bish, and in a few minutes it was an- 
nounced to the anxious meeting that 
not a single individual was seriously 
hurt. It seemed a miracle; but it was 
so. An all-wise Providence outstretched 
a saving arm. There was too much 
patriotism and loveliness in that band 
to be made to suffer on such an occa- 
sion. 

"It was then moved to adjourn to the 
Public Square. Upon attempting to 
cari-y which into execution it was dis- 
covered that the Loco Focos had met 
with the same accident and had already 
taken possession of the court house. 
The meeting, however, was urged by 
our friend, Peter S. Michler, Esq., to 
occupy that portion of the Square in 
front of his residence, where they pro- 
cured a few rough boards, soon made 
a staging and the speaker, regardless 
of the fall he had just met with, pro- 
ceeded in his remarks, delighting and 
instructing a pleased audience. 

"When he concluded three cheers 
were proposed for: 

" 'The Whigs of the City and County 
of Philadelphia.' 

"Three cheers more for John C. 
Montgomery, Esq., their talented rep- 
resentative, which with hearty enthus- 
iasm were given by the meeting. 

"The next toast was in honor of one 
of our fellow-citizens, whose zeal, tal- 
ents and effective eloquence is held in 
the highest estimation by his friends. 
It was: 

" 'Alexander E. Brown — The Firm- 
est of the Firm of the Champions of 
Our Political Liberties in Our County 
of Northampton. Let us give him 
three good cheers.' 

"The announcement of this senti- 
ment lighted up the eyes of the whole 
meeting and the call for Mr. Brown, as 
he was not immediately seen, was most 
eager. Nor did he disappoint the ex- 
pectation of his friends, but in a short 
but truly eloquent speech stirred up 
the spirits of the audience toahigh and 
patriotic excitement. 

"A vote of thanks was then moved 
for Henry D. Maxwell, Esq., the chair- 
man of the day, and carried with three 
fheers and thunders of applause. It 
was richly merited by the able manner 
in which he had discharged his duties, 
the courtesy and urbanity with which 



he received his guests and the spirit 
stirring remarks with which he inter- 
spersed the proceedings. He responded 
in a short and eloquent a^^aress. 

"At the request of very many, whose 
eager importunities could not be re- 
fused. Judge Robeson took the stage, 
and with the most effective words and 
in the most forcible way addressed the 
audience for a few minutes, drawing 
forth their responses as he earnestly 
asked them as to the measures they 
would advocate in the coming contest. 

"In such a spirit the meeting ad- 
journed and with such feelings returned 
to their homes." 



"The Harrison county convention 
held August o, 1840, was a glorious day 
for 'Old Northampton.' Monday last 
was a day of pride. Honorable patri- 
otic pride at the spirit and energy 
which were evinced to be among us. 
Although the weather was not as favor- 
able as we could have wished, and 
although the Loco Focos, lashed to 
desperation at seeing the people rally 
in their might and majesty and gather 
together as did the patriots of old 
when Britain's King assailed them, en- 
deavored in the most turbulent, dis- 
graceful and indecent way to interrupt 
our meeting, neither the rain that 
poured upon us nor the howling of the 
debased wretches who, with Bacchana- 
lian revelry better befitting the darker 
ages, could check or interfere with the 
very intense interest that prevailed. 

"The people began to gather early. 
About 10 o'clock a. m. the Committee 
of Arrangements, on horseback, escort- 
ed in from South Easton our Allentown 
friends, with their fine band.. Appro- 
priate banners were interspersed 
among them. The next company came 
from Bethlehem — a long string of ve- 
hicles, with flags, mottoes and banners. 
Then soon our friends from Nazareth 
and Towamensing and that direction 
arrived. The Townamensing boys were 
in the rough wagons used in their wild 
district, and on one was hung a bell 
and which they rung; it was said Mar- 
tin's Funeral Knell. 

"The Monroedelegation had met them 
in a stage of four, their horses and car- 
riage handsomely set out with flags. 
During all this time the people were 
pouring in from all directions. They 
came from the hill and plain, mountain 
and dale, to ascertain, if practicable, 
how our rights should be recovered 
and its wonted prosperity be made to 
revisit the country. 

"From our former sister State, but, 
as they themselves styled it, 'now 
Province of New Jersey,' there were 
large numbers. About noon the dele- 



132 



gation from the upper part came in. 
One company in a wagon, on which 
had hastily been built a Log Cabin. 

"Tte procession formed at 1 o'clock. 
Being in it, we could not see it well; 
but it told the tale of Loco Focos' 
downfall. Numerous banners were in- 
terspersed throughout, some of which 
were excellent. We saw two entirely 
orginal. On one a Log Cabin was 
painted, at one corner of the top, from 
which a barrel had started. It had 
rolled over Rhode Island, Connecticut 
and Louisiana; New York, Pennsylva- 
nia and New Jersey were yet beneath 
it. 'Matty' stood on one side, with his 
ivory-headed cane, holding against it, 
crying: 'Amos, stop that barrel!' The 
ingrate had a rail in his hand, tiTing to 
impede its course.which had just broke 
in pieces, and, with the Extra Globe 
sticking out of his pocket, he answers, 
deploringly, 'Martin, the whole Globe 
can't stop it! ' 

"H. D. Maxwell called the meeting to 
order by nominating Jacob Weygandt, 
Esq., as President of the convention, 
who was unanimously elected, and the 
following other officers elected: 
Vice Presidents. 

George Weber, of Northamoton 
county. 

Wm. P. Robeson, of Warren county. 

John F. Ruhe, Jr., of Lehigh county. 

John Duckworth, of Hunterdon coun- 
ty. N. J. 

Franklin L. Starbied. of Monroe 
county. 

John Dixon, of Bucks county. 

Robert S. Kennedy, of Warren county. 

Anthony Transue, of Northampton 
county. 

Wm. W- Selfridge, of Lehigh county. 

Richard T. Downing, of Monroe 
county. 

Azariah W. Dunham, of Hunterdon 
county. 

Michael Lutz, of Northampton 
county. 

Secretaries. 

William H. Thompson, Thomas Clen- 
denin and Michael Spangler. 

"Certain resolutions were then of- 
fered to the meeting by G. W. Yates, 
Esq., on behalf of the Committee of 
Arrangements, which were unanimous- 
ly adopted. They will be given in our 
next. After which A. E. Brown, Esq., 
with that beautiful, pathetic eloquence 
which characterizes all his speeches 
on such occasions, presented to the 
Buckeye Blacksmith the beautiful gob- 
let which the Whig ladies of our bor- 
ough had obtained fo'- him. He stood 
during the speech, a" id at its conclu- 
sion acknowledged, in terms of ex- 
quisite feeling and gratitude, the kind- 
ness which this donation evinced 



towards him, a stranger 700 miles from 
his home." 



The Presidential campaign of 1840 
and the subsequent celebration of the 
election of Harrison and Tyler were 
events in the history of the county 
which were for many years referred 
to, and a few only remain to describe 
the glories of those days. 



" THE JUBILEE. 

Ho! settlers of the Old Northwest! 

Kentucky's sons of fire! 
Ho! Bay State men! Ho! land of 

Penn! Ho! sons of the Empire! 
Why muster ye? What name is on 

your tongue? 
The Warrior's name, the Statesman's 

fame, the veteran Harrison! 
"Never have our people spent a 
more joyous happy day than they did 
at the Jubilee on Saturday. One con- 
tinued delighted smile seemed to play 
on the countenances of every demo- 
cratic whig from the time 'Amos Baby 
Waker' caused him to leap from his 
pillow till the day was spent and gone. 
On Friday evening previous according 
to the proposed arrangements, bright 
bon fires lit up every hill around, and 
the cannon kept a constant roar. The 
large four-story hotel of Mrs. White 
was splendidly illuminated. In the 
middle was a fine transparency of the 
General on his favorite White Charg- 
er, encouraging on his men to battle. 
The cabin was also lighted up with 
transparencies. A fine procession of 
several hundred called 'Old Tips Com- 
mittee,' paraded by torchlight under 
the direction of that active and effic- 
ient Field Marshal, Joseph Barnet. 
The whole evening was spent in social 
merriment and sport. Cannon was fired 
without intermission (except to load) 
during the whole night and next day. 
Early in the morning the people began 
to flock in from the country. Nearly 
the whole of the Log Cabin lot had 
been covered with 6 rows of tables 100 
feet long prepared. To this spot the 
good things provided by the commit- 
tee, or given lay the patriotic Whig La- 
dies of our Borough and neighborhood, 
than whom no lovelier live, were seen 
going, turkies and chickens, with rib- 
bands and appropriate mottoes, lusc- 
ious pies of every kind, size and shape, 
some decorated with Log Cabins, some 
with cider barrels, others figured off 
with Tip and Ty O. K. and such pithy 
sentences. The table was set at about 
11 o'clock, and it was admitted that a 
more bountiful well set table could not 
well be. There were no ardent spir- 
its on the ground — but in its room 
plenty of good cider that all preferred. 



133 



"The vast multitude were formed in 
order by Chief Marshal Bamet a lit- 
tle after 11 o'clock and preceded by 
the Easton Band, marched through our 
principal streets for about an hour, 
when they returned to the Cabin and 
as many as could took seats at the 
table. One thousand and six plates 
were set, and when we say that not 
more than one-half could not get seats, 
we can give a better idea of the num- 
bers present than ^n any other way. 
The sight of this vast delighted din- 
ner party all with the best humor pos- 
sible, making vigorous onset on the 
good viands spread before them was 
a pleasing sight such of the kind as 
we never before witnessed. After they 
had satisfied themselves, a fresh sup- 
ply of provisions appeared and their 
places were filled by others until all 
had partaken. Two rows of tables 
were also set for the Ladies present 
from the country who also joined in 
the feast. 

"After the cloth was removed the 
meeting was organized by the appoint- 
ment of 

"HON. SAMUEL YOKE, President, 
and the following Vice-Presidents: 
Anthony Transue, Philip Odenwelder, 
Jacob Deitterich, Michael Lutz, Wil- 
liam Shouse, Joseph Richards, Th. 
Bilheimer. Joseph J. Albright, John 
Rasely, Adam Heckman, T. R. Sit- 
greaves, Lawrence Troxell, Joseph 
Unangst. Peter Holland, R. Emmons, 
H. D. Maxwell. 

"A number of toasts were then 
drank, among others one to the Hon. 
John Banks, the favorite candidate of 
the Democratic Whigs tor Governor of 
the State, and who was subsequently 
nominated, but met defeat. Judge 
Banks had been in Congress, where he 
was recognized as a man of superior 
talents. He afterwards became Pres- 
ident Judge of Northampton county, 
and subsequently removed to Reading, 
Pa. At the College Exercises in 1840 
he delivered the address before the 
Literary Society, and was looked upon 
as that of a finished scholar as well as 
a learned Judge." 



Daniel L, Green was a famous "doc- 
tor," cured by faith or physic, as the 
patient elected. He located at Bethle- 
hem about 1815, but his practice ex- 
tended into neighboring counties and 
States. There was, with all his quack- 
ery, some sound sense in his doctrines. 
"DOCTOR GREEN. 

"Mr. Printer: Looking over the writ- 
ings of this extraordinary man, I hap- 
pened to see the subjoined, which be 
so kind as to insert into your valuable 
columns, and no doubt every other edi- 



tor will receive the thanks of his read- 
ers also by placing it into his columns. 

"Pieces other than political will be a 
relief from that continual din of politi- 
cal wrangling with which we are so 
much pestered; therefore, and we will 
say to all people — to all families — com- 
mit to memory the doctor's sayings. 
They are valuable — very valuable. 

"Make their words familiar and as 
well known in your own houses as your 
own 'household words' and ye'll rejoice 
for the days to come. 

"A SUBSCRIBER. 

"Easton, Pa., July 25, 1840." 

"The feather pillow is very injurious 
to most people — it causes too much 
sweating. This relaxes the system 
and weakens both mind and body. The 
head sinks down too deep into it, cre- 
ating heat, and makes the head per- 
spire more than is natural; brings on 
sick headache, pain in the temples, 
dizziness, fainting, weakness of the 
eyes and many other afflictions, in con- 
sequence of the heat to the head, owing 
to the feathers. This is contrary to the 
well-known and true saying 'Keep the 
head cool and the feet warm' and you'll 
keep well. Now, in order to prevent 
this, lie on a pillow stuffed with cut 
straw, instead of feathers; or, stuff it 
with chaff; stuff it full— quite full— or. 
use a mattress^ — anything hard, and 
the harder the better. Use will soon 
make it agreeable — use is second 
nature. Some people fill the pillowcase 
tightful of hops, and the tighter the 
better. In fact, almost anything is 
better than feathers. Hops, which 
brewers make beer of, are a medicine. 
People lying on a hop pillow will get 
sound sleep and a good night's rest 
when they can get it from nothing else. 
And here it may be repeated and said 
that the feather pillow has caused more 
distress, more pain, more weak eyes, 
more sick headache, than we are aware 
of. 'Tis sickening, 'tis dangerous, and if 
people knew this they never would, 
after reading what I say, lay their head 
again on a pillow filled with feathers. 
No, they never would. Use is second 
nature, and we soon get used to lie on 
a pillow filled with straw, chaff, hops 
or most anything hard. Friend reader, 
the above counsel is part of my system 
to restore and preserve health {in 
many cases of sickness) without phys- 
ick, as much of its art consists in know- 
ing when not to give it. This is con- 
sonant to the laws of nature and to 
scripture, which sayeth 'there's a time 
for all things.' Consequently there's a 
time for i)hysick, as well as for other 
things. • In conclusion, let us bear in 
mind that most of things, when we 
first begin to use them, will feel incon- 



134 



venient and will soon become agree- 
able — very agreeable. Furthermore, 
we must not consider anything inconve- 
nient and troublesome that contributes 
to health. No. we must not; for don't 
we often take ten times more trouble 
for that which contributes to fashion 
than we take for that which contributes 
to health. Yea, we do so. Health! 
Why, next to the knowledge of God, 
what so valuable as the knowledge of 
health? Indeed, and if we ask ourselves 
what next to the knowledge of God is 
so valuable as the knowledge of health 
the answer will be, 'Nothing, nothing 
— no, nothing so valuable. 
[Aug. 12. 1840.] 

"DANIEL L. GREEN." 

"POPULATION OF THE DIFFERENT 

TOWNS AND BOROUGHS OF 

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY 

IN 184). 

Easton 4,848 

Bethlehem 1,053 

Mauch Chunk 927 

South Easton 662 

Summit Hill 592 

Nazareth 493 

Leviston 368 

Beaver Meadows 348 

Nesquehoning 296 

Bath 286 

Lehighton 221 

Rookport 185 

Hellertown 162 

Freemansburg 154 

Hecktown and Newburg 149 

Weissport 127 

Butzville 120 

"Six townships were taken by Mr. 
Rewalt and thirteen by your friend, 
"G. H. GOUNDIE. 
"Bethlehem, Sept. 28, 1840." 



Our readers doubtless recollect the 
attempt at the poetical of the great Dr. 
Duncan in his crack speech in Con- 
gress: 

"Molly Simpson are a case, 

And so are Sally Thompson; 
General Jackson are a horse. 
And so are Col. Johnson." 
A friend, hearing of his defeat, 
moved the following substitute: 
"Dr. Duncan are a case. 

And so are Governor Shannon, 
Mat. VanBuren's turned to grass. 
And so are Jim Buchanan." 
Guess the Dr. now thinks the Whigs 
can beat even on the day of election. 



TOASTS AT HARRISON JUBILEE. 

1st. The glorious triumph which we 

this day celebrate. A civil revolutioD 

effected without bloodshed. A striking 

proof that corrupt officeholders cannot 



triumph over a free people. Six cheers. 

2d. The people — their voice all pow- 
erful; their will supreme. They have 
spoken and the dynasty of corruption 
has faded away. They have willed 
and Columbia again is free. Six cheers. 

3d. Gen. William Henry Harrison, 
the President-elect. Born and living 
for his country's good; by his military 
exploits he expelled foreign foes from 
our soil; by his civil triumph he has 
foiled the wiles of domestic traitors. 
From youth to age he has guarded his 
country with a patriot's sword, a patri- 
ot's voice and a patriot's prayers. Fif- 
teen cheers. 

4th. The ballot box, the organ by 
which a free people speak their unbi- 
assed sentiments. Those who love 
liberty will ever aid in preserving its 
purity. Nine cheers. 

5th. The departed heroes of the Rev- 
olution. In the late contest we have 
endeavored to carry out the principles 
for which they fought and bled. 
Though their bodies have decayed, 
their example and doctrines are immor- 
tal. We will ever cherish them. 
Drank standing in silence. 

6th. The surviving worthies of the 
Revolution. They have lived to s«.e a 
new era in the history of our country. 
In our day of trial they have encour- 
aged and cheered us on by theirbright 
example. May everlasting gratitude 
be their portion. Ten cheers. 

7th. New Jersey. She was the first 
State whose independent sovereignty 
was attacked by the tyrannical execu- 
tive and corrupt congress. Nobly has 
she vindicated her cause. On the tab- 
let which covers the political grave of 
Martin VanBuren her glory will be in- 
scribed in characters of living light. 
Twelve cheers. 

8th. Agriculture, Manufacture and 
Commerce — natural allies. 

May the farmer be respected. 

The mechanic protected 

And the merchant not neglected. 

Nine cheers. 

9th. Martin at Kinderhook. May his 
cabbage garden be protected against 
coons and his little treasury chest 
against rats. May he have hard cider 
and hickory nuts enough to spend the 
winter evenings. May he for all time 
to come be saved from the cares of 
office, and the American people at all 
times to come be saved from him. 
Twelve groans. 

1 th. True democracy, the parent of 
civil and religious liberty — the people's 
strength. None but demagogues use 
its sacred name for factious purposes. 
Ten cheers. 

11th. Pennsylvania, the field of Har- 
rison's early fame. At the sound of 



135 



that much-loved name she has thrown 
off the fetters of a corrupt party, her 
hardy sons have rallied round the chief 
of their choice and she now stands re- 
generated and redeemed. Fifteen 
cheers. 

12th. The Democratic Party through- 
out the United States. May they im- 
prove the glorious victory which they 
have just obtained to the best interests 
of our common country. May union 
and harmony ever mark their move- 
ments and victory ever perch upon 
their standard. Nine cheers. 

13th. The fair sex. In our hour of 
danger their smiles encourage us, in 
the hour of desipondency they cheer 
and console us, in the hour of victory 
they are the bright rainbow adorning 
the sky when the clouds of battle have 
rolled away. Fifteen cheers doubled. 

After which thevolunteertoastswere 
given, interspersed with singing and 
lecitation. The party broke up early 
in the afternoon and returned peace- 
ably and quietly to their homes, de- 
lighted with the great public festival 
in which they had participated — re- 
turned, too, in full confidence of the 
restoration of our beloved Republic to 
its wonted state of prosperity, freedom 
and happiness under the gallant, well- 
trained leader whom a free people had 
called to preside over them, and pros- 
trated the corrupt, extravagant dema- 
gogues who had betrayed the trusts 
committed to them and became the 
tyrants rather than the servants of the 
people. 

The committee of arrangements de- 
serve high thanks for the manner in 
which they discharged their duties. 

Of the ladies who so kindly and 
bountifully assisted and aided by their 
advice, donations and services what 
shall we say? We scarce know words 
that will convey the thankful feelings 
of the Democratic Whigs. To the 
married we wish happy homes, and to 
the unmarried kind and affectionate 
husbands of the right stamp. God 
grant you, ladies, all the good we print- 
ers dare wish. 

In the night our opponents had a 
procession. They mounted a Durham 
boat upon wheels, lighted it up well 
with tar barrels and manned it with 
a sturdy-looking crew. They then with 
a large force in procession, lighted by 
torches, drew it along, bound, as they 
said, for salt river. We wish them a 
pleasant journey and good anchorage. 
It is a quiet region, having many com- 
forts, as we know. 



new company, composed of about forty- 
five men, dressed in grey, richly 
trimmed, and drill remarkably well for 
a new corps, and, take them altogether, 
make an imposing appearance. We 
have not learned exactly what the name 
of the company is. It has been got up 
in the Loco Foco camp, and is com- 
posed exclusively of the choice spirits 
of that party. As far as we can learn, 
the name of the company is the Van 
Buren Democratic Artillery, and is in- 
tended as an escort of his excellency 
from Washington to Kinderhook on the 
4th of March next. Matty need not be 
ashamed of such fine-looking fellows! 
[November 11, 1840.] 



MILITARY. 
On Monday afternoon we had a peep 
at Capt. Ree<ler's beauties. This is a 



136 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES RELATING 
TO EASTON AND NORTHAMP- 
TON COUNTY, PA., AND 
THEIR INHABITANTS. 



Miscellaneous Local Events in 1841. 



"Not to know what has been trans- 
acted in former times is always to re- 
main a child." 



NEW SERIES NO. 13. 



Contributed by Ethan A. Weaver. 



The census of 1840 for Pennsylvania 
was in charge of Col. Samuel Dewees 
Patterson, then well known in Easton, 
he having married a daughter of Wil- 
liam Beckett Mott, for some years a 
resident of your city, where he married 
a sister of the late 'Squire Samuel 
Moore. 

Col. Patterson was a man of superior 
literary attainments, and distinguished 
in literary as well as political circles. 
He for some years edited and owned 
the present well-known "Saturday 
Evening Post" (founded by Benjamin 
Franklin in 1728), which was then a 
popular literary newspaper, having 
amongst its contributors Longfellow, 
Cooper, Poe, Willis, Bayard Taylor, 
Mrs. Osgood and many others then 
beginning their literary careers, and 
who have since gained distinction in 
letters. Col. Patterson was also a fre- 
quent contributor to its columns, both 
in prose and verse. It was in the 
"Post" at this time that Bayard Taylor 
first contributed an account of his for- 
eign travels, and it was Col. Patterson's 
financial aid wiiich enabled Taylor to 
make his first trip to Europe, which aid 
he gratefully acknowledged in his work, 
"Views Atoot." Col. Patterson also at 
one time published the well-known 
"Graham's Magazine," in which ven- 
ture he lost heavily. He also, with 
John W. Forney and others, published 
the "Pennsylvanian," the predecessor 
of the Philadelphia "Press." He also 
at various times held the positions of 
United States Marshal and Navy Agent 
at Philadelphia, and was State Printer 
under Governor Wolf, of your city. He 
was an aide-de-camp on the staff of 
Governor Porter, and his sword is the 
l)roperty of his great-grandson, the son 
of the contributor of these sketches. 
Col. Patterson was the close personal 
friend of President Buchanan, who was 
a frequent visitor at his home, in Phila- 
delphia, and he was on intimate terms 



with most of the leading political and 
literary men of the times. Many of 
his writings, preserved by him in man- 
uscript and oihers copied from the 
journals to which he contributed, and 
writings of Cooper, Poe and others, 
sent to the journals with which he was 
connected, are the property of the wife 
of your contributor — his eldest grand- 
child. Col. Patterson's son (William 
Mott Patterson), also a gifted writer, 
resided for some years at Phillipsburg, 
N. J., dying at the early age of 45, his 
father having reached only 52 when he 
died, in 1861). 

STATISTICS OF NORTHAMPTON 
COUNTY FOR 1840. 

The following interesting and valu- 
able statistical information of our 
county we find in the "Public Ledger," 
which information is obtained from 
the assistance of Samuel D. Patterson, 
upon whom the duty of carrying into 
effect the act of Congress providing for 
taking the sixth census devolved: 
Whole population 40,982 

Of these, there are: 

Whit>^ w liite 
ales. Fern nleB 

Under 5 years of age 3,538 3,470 

5 and under 10 3,230 3,483 

10 " 15 2,670 2,473 

15 " 20 2,221 2,281 

20 " 30 3,747 3,236 

30 " 40 2,531 2,299 

40 " 60 1,372 1,370 

60 " 70 483 537 

70 " 80 177 206 

80 " 90 47 50 

90 " 100 1 6 

100 and upwards 1 

Colored Colored 
Males. Females 

Under 10 years of age 25 9 

1 and under 24 28 30 

24 " 36 23 20 

36 " 55 15 12 

55 " 100 1 1 

Number of persons engaged in min- 
ing, 322; agriculture, 2,848; commerce, 
242; manufactures and trades, 3,176; 
navigation of canals, lakes and rivers, 
3G5; learned professions and engineers, 
210. 

Number of pensioners for Revolu- 
tionary or military services, 13. 

Number of deaf and dumb, blind and 
insane, white persons, 66. 

Schools, &c.— Number of universi- 
ties or colleges, 3; of students, 68; 
academies and grammar schools, 9; of 
scholars, 551; primary and common 
schools, 76; of scholars, 3,445; of schol- 
ars at public charge, 352. 

137 



FRESHET OF '41. 
"Freshet — Great Destruction of Private 

Property and Bridges on the Le- 
high and Delaware Rivers, and 
Inundation of Part of Our 
Borough. 

As chroniclers of passing events it 
becomes our painful duty to record a 
scene of destruction and devastation 
such as was never before witnessed in 
this section of country. The late ex- 
cessive rain, carrying with it the snow 
which covered the ground, caused our 
streams to raise beyond all precedent. 
They came careering down with awful 
rapidity on the morning of the 8th inst. 
(January, 1841), producing waste and 
ruin on every side, bearing on their 
angry waters every kind of property — 
houses, barns, storehouses, fences, 
stacks of grain and furniture of all 
description. 

The Lehigh river, one of the most 
unruly and turbulent streams, has 
caused the greatest damage. As far as 
heard, not a bridge is left upon it. 
Those at Stoddartsville, Lehighton, 
Siegfrieds, Biery's, Allentown, Bethle- 
hem, Freeman's and Baston are all 
swept away. The beautiful bridge at 
our borough went about 4 o'clock in the 
morning of the 8th. It breasted the 
flood most gallantly for hours, but at 
last was obliged to yield, and grace- 
fully parting, floated off upon the angry 
waters that destroyed it. 

The flat below South Easton.between 
the river and canal, containing the col- 
lector's office of the Lehigh Coal and 
Navigation Company and a small vil- 
lage, was so covered that the buildings 
were not visible. All but the stone 
houses were carried off. The lower 
part of Williamsport is almost de- 
stroyed. The canal basin apparently 
demolished, the collector's office of the 
Delaware Division moved off its foun- 
dation, the way lock stript of its cov- 
erings, and both sides of the river here 
presents but one scene of ruin. 

The dwellings in the section of our 
borough adjacent to the Lehigh as far 
up as Lehigh street were inundated in 
the lower stories, destroying the furni- 
ture, &c., the occupants having only 
sufficient time to save themselves. 
Some of the dwellings were injured 
considerably by the driftwood, the end 
of one being torn out and otherwise 
damaged, and leaving all in an almost 
untenantable condition. We saw a 
saw log deposited on a i>orch about 50 
yards from the rive. 

The houses all along Water street 
were overflowed, leaving them in a 
most wretched condition. 

The Delaware, usually so remarkable 
for its mildness as to be called "the 



silvery Delaware," also took to itself a 
new character, and, though not so de- 
structive above the Lehigh as that 
river, did great damage. It was esti- 
mated that it was thirty-five feet above 
low water mark — six feet higher than 
has ever been heard of before. The 
destruction of the bridge across it was 
looked for during the whole of the 8th. 
but it withstood the flood, though much 
injured and torn. Report states that 
every other bridge upon that river be- 
low this has gone. Coming, as the 
flood has done, in the most inclement 
part of the season, the distress pro- 
duced will be great. It has, fallen on 
many who are in no way able to bear 
it. The dwellings overflowed were 
mostly occupied by the poorest of our 
citizens, who have lost tueir all. We 
are happy to say that the usual kind 
charitable feeling of our townsmen is 
in exercise, and all that can will be 
done to alleviate the distress. 

As yet we know of no loss of life 
hereabouts. Mr. Lowry and son, from 
Coleman's Dam, were both swept 
away. The father jumped upon a log, 
and while passing just above here be- 
fore day was seen when one of our citi- 
zens, John Beam, at the risk of his own 
life, pushed out in his boat and brought 
him safe to shore. The act of intrepid- 
ity to save a fellow being deserves and 
has secured to the actor unqualifled 
praise. The son, it is said, was taken 
up 12 miles below, still alive." 



REMOVAL OF REV. DR. GEORGE 
JUNKIN FROM EASTON. 
After nine years of unremitting la- 
bor, and self-sacriflce. Dr. Junkin re- 
signed the presidency of Lafayette Col- 
lege, to accept a similar office in Miami 
University, Ohio. So strong was the 
affection for him, that many of the 
students accompanied ^im, as was the 
case when he left the Manual Labor 
Academy, at Germantown, to accept 
the presidency of Lafayette. To Dr. 
Junkin more than to any one, belongs 
the credit of a college continuing in 
your midst, and when a complete his- 
tory of the college is written, a careful 
investigation of his administration 
will confirm this statement. 



A VENDUE 
Or Public Sale will be held at La Fay- 
ette College on Friday 26 inst. 

At which will be sold a variety of 
Household and Kitchen furniture. 
Farming and Gardening Utensils. A 
Horse, Cow and Hogs. For particu- 
lars, see Handbills. 

GEO. JUNKIN. 

Easton, March 1, 1841. 



138 



PARTING HYMN. ing family, who were seated in the boat 

The following hymn, written by Mrs. that was to carry them down the river, 

Jane Lewers Gray, addressed to Rev. and addressed the crowd in a most 

George Junkin, was sung by the choir solemn and impressive manner. After 

of the Presbyterian Church at the imploring the blessing of heaven to 

close of his fai'ewell sermon delivered I'est upon the town, its inhabitants and 

in that church previous to his depart- the literary institution he just left, the 

ure from this Borough: boat swung off and the most profound 

Brother go! the Master calls thee silence reigned while the multitude 

Other duties to fulfill: dispersed^ — a strong evidence of the 

Well we know, what e'er befalls thee, deep impression which the parting 

'Tis thy joy to do His will — words of this good man made upon 

Hark! He calls thee, their hearts." 

Go, obey thy Master's will. 

BOROUGH ELECTION, 1841. 
Shall we, from this sacred altar. "The election on Friday last [March 
Hear no more thy warning voice ]9thl went off with some spirit. The 
Making sternest sinners falter, Loco Focos drummed their forces to- 
Bidding feeblest saints rejoice— gether previous to the election and 
Shall we never held a town meeting, at which a full 
Hear again thy warning voice? ticket for borough officers was nomi- 
nated, composed of gentlemen of their 
Oh! may all that thou has taught us, kidney, with James M. Porter at its 
Sink each melting heart within! head. This was no doubt done with a 
How the gracious Saviour sought us— view of giving respectability and 
Rescued us from death and sin, strength to the ticket, but it proved an 
May thy lessons unfortunate manoeuvre, as will be seen 
Sink each melting heart within! by the return below. In Bushkill Ward 

the Harrison men carried every candi- 

Go! may Jesus guide thy going, date, and in the choice of members of 

May He be wheree'er thou art— Council and School Directors, although 

May his love forever flowing, we had no regular party nomination. 

Cheer, refresh and warm thy heart— the Democratic Harrison men came in 

May his presence for a good share of the spoils. 
Never from thy soul depart. Town Council. 

Lehigh Bushkill 

And, where no farewell is spoken — Ward. >^arfi. otai 

Where no tear the cheek shall stain— Peter Shnyder* 120 195 Sl5 

Where we give no parting token — Frederick Seitz* 127 157 284 

There shall Christians meet again; Thomas Sletor* 192 86 278 

Yes in heaven, W. L. Sebring 190 87 277 

Saviour, let us meet again. C. W. Mixsell 114 162 276 

[April 28, 1841.1 J.M.Porter 166 84 250 

John Eyerman 46 71 117 

DEPARTURE OF DR. JUNKIN. William Green 43 67 110 

"The Rev. George Junkin and family School Directors. 

left here yesterday morning [May 30, Charles Innes* Ill 180 291 

1841,1 at 7 o'clock via the Delaware W. M'Cartney* 165 82 247 

river for Oxford, Ohio, where he will J. K. Heckman 162 73 235 

exercise the important duties as Presi- W. G. Ihrie 61 91 152 

dent of the Miami University. Most Traill Green 42 87 129 

fortunate has that institution been in Judges of Election. 

procuring the services of one possess- A. H. Reeder* 183 

ing so many qualities for usefulness. Wm. Cawley 103 

Dr. Junkin performed the duties of T. R. Sitgreaves*. . . 173 

President of Lafayette College for the H. Hepburn 109 

last nine years and watched over its Inspectors. 

interests with untiring zeal. Gifted in A. Sigman, Jr.* 131 

an extraordinary degree as a man of E. A. Reeder* 66 

science and from his thorough knowl- Adam Yohe 37 

edge of human nature, well adapted as William Ross* 156 

an instructor, always striving to do Theo. Mixsell* 112 

good, he operated a happy influence Assessors. 

upon the community in which he lived. C. L. Eberle* 137 

The parting scene on the wharf was ex- H. S. Troxell 107 

tremely affecting. The shore and boats Peter Nungesser 40 

were filled with hundreds of both sexes William Ricker* 169 

when he arose in front of his interest- John Maxwell 1U7 

139 



Constable. 

Samuel Walter 283 

Charles E. Buck 52 

A. Sigman, Jr 35 

Charles Kessler*. .. . 192 

John Leldich 106 

Francis Smith 14 

Auditors. 

Daniel W. Butz, J. R. Innes and 
T. M. D. Forsman — no opposition. 

Those marked thus * are elected. 

PRESIDENT HARRISON'S DEATH. 

Upon the death of President William 
Henry Harrison in April, 1841, memo- 
rial services were held in St. John's 
Lutheran ohurcn, where a eulogy was 
delivered by A. E. Brown, Esq., whicn 
was attended by the military and other 
organizations and by the citizens gen- 
erally. 

Resolutions were passed by the Bor- 
ough Council, and the officers of the 
corporation wore crape on the left arm 
tor the space of thirty days. 

In the Old Forks Township Church 
Rev. J. P. Probst delivered the funeral 
oration, a copy of which is treasured 
with my "Northamptonia." 



FOURTii OF JULY CELEBRATION, 
1841. 

The 4th of July (1841) was celebrated 
at the hotel of C. Heckman by the 
National Guards, a military organiza- 
tion, of which Samuel Yohe was cap- 
tain. 

A number of toasts were drank, 
among others the following: 

By a National — Capt. Meixsell, of the 
Bloody 97th; may he live a hundred 
years and his shadow never grow less. 

By W. Tindall — Here's to the man 
who owned the land that raised the 
grass that fed the sheep that furnished 
the skin that made the parchment on 
which was written the Declaration of 
Independence. 

By T.Titus — The Military Companies 
of Our Borough; may they grow in 
numbers and in courage, and if ever 
called upon duty may they, like the 
illustrious sons of '76, achieve a most 
glorious victory. 

Capt. Meixsell — Our Worthy Host; 
may he live and prosper; may he never 
lack customers, and may he always 
furnish such entertainments as he has 
today. 

By Charles Kale — The National 
Guards; like their predecessors, the 
Washington Grays, firm, patriotic and 
well disciplined. 

By H. B. Sage — Our State; poor by 
mismanagement, but still honest and 
ui)right; we will pay our debts without 
remittance from foreign countries. 



By John Eyerman — 
On no happier clime than the broad 

land of ours 
Does the sun his bright smiles of 

beneficence render. 
From the dark storms and bleak snows 

to rich skies and sweet flowers 
Our flag, our proud flag, streams in 

starred and striped splendor; 
Then with shouts of acclamation and 

bosoms of flame 
Let us honor those sires whence our 

liberties came. 
And p'-nudlv their sons will remember 

this day 
Till the lasi wave of time bears its 

glories away. 



"DR. TRAILL GREEN'S REMOVAL 
FROM EASTON. 
This gentleman has received and 
accepted the appointment of Professor 
of Natural Science in Marshall College, 
Mercersburg. We shall lose a very 
valuable citizen in the removal of Dr. 
Green. Highly esteemed by everyone, 
he was fast gaining the confldence of 
the people in the practice of medicine, 
but the desire to teach and the hope of 
being more useful has led him to ac- 
cept the appointment." 

[May 26, 1841.] 

WRITTEN JULY 4TH, AFTER HEAR- 
ING A DISCOURSE FROM REV. 
B. C. WOLF ON THE SUB- 
JECT OF COLONIZATION. 
Tomorrow a great nation shall rejoice. 
Paeans of praise and songs of joy 
ascend. 
Millions of freemen with united voice 
And with accordant hearts their 
strains shall blend. 
'Tis Freedom's birthday; let their 

strains arise 
Like ocean's mounting surges to the 
skies. 

From North to South, from rise to set 
of sun. 
Where'er Columbia calls the soil her 
own. 

Shall peal the shout and boom the sig- 
nal gun. 
Loud to proclaim with the thunder's 
tone. 

Here Fteedom folds at last her weary 
wings; 

Here man obeys alone the King of 
kings. 

See! our broad realms their portals 

wide expand 
To welcome the oppressed and bid 

them come; 
The pilgrim stranger from the distant 

land 



140 



Quits the old roof-tree of his child- 
hood's home, 

Turns from the spot where his fore- 
father's rest, 

To seek a home of freedom in the West. 

And is our land the asylum of the 
earth ? 
A refuge for the oppressed from 
ev'ry clime? 

Where men of every hue and various 
birth 
May join rejoicing in our song sub- 
lime? 

A nation's anthem, which shall echo- 
ing swell 

Tomorrow's dawn from mountain top 
and dell. 

Hark! what discordant tones jar on the 
ear? 
The clank of chains, the sounding 
lash, the cry. 

And see those shrinking forms, those 
looks of fear, 
The sullen glance, the downcast, 
low'ring eye. 

Amid those peals of triumph. Who 
are they 

Who mar with discord rude this hal- 
lowed day? 

And who are they? The millions born 

to wear 
The bondsman's yoke till severed by 

the grave. 
To toil devoid of recompense, to bear 
The white man's stripes and scorn — 

the hapless slave, 
Branded by prejudice, as if Heaven's 

ban 
Formed him a link betwixt the brute 

and man. 

No, from the slave no whispered word 

or sign 
Shall gratulating greet tomorrow's 

dawn ; 
Thou Shalt look round to see thyself 

and thine 
A slave from slaves to hopeless 

bondage born; 
Shalt lift thy fettered hand to heaven 

and crave 
The only freedom thou mayst have — 

the grave. 

Home of the brave and free, my coun- 
try dear 
As are the pulses circling round my 
heart. 

Pause in thy song triumphant, let thy 
ear 
Catch that sad wail and bid thy pity 
start; 

It is thy brother's voice, although thy 
eye 

Rests on that abject form of dusky dye. 



Go, and the chains of form and soul 
unbind, 
The links of ignorance and vice, 
which wear 
And rust the energies of frame and 
mind. 
Go, make the slave a man, then 
homeward bear 
Millions of freedmen, who, with sweet 

accord. 
Shall join to bless thy name and praise 
the Lord. F. M. L, 

Easton, July 4, 1841. 



SONG. 



John Banks and Old Tippecanoe. 

Our hero's called home to his heaven. 
But his spirit still breathes in our 
ranks; 
'Tis the spirit kind nature has given 
To the faithful, the honest John 
Banks. 

To Tyler, Clay, Webster and E^tving, 
And all other Whig patriots our 
thanks; 
The Union was saved by their shew- 
ing — 
The State will be saved by John 
Banks. 

His equal as statesman or man, sirs, 
Ye Locos point out in your ranks; 

Let detraction say all that it can, sirs. 
It can say nought but good of John 
Banks. 

In the West he's beloved like a brother. 
In the East he holds every heart, too. 

In the Centre they rank with each 
other — 
John Banks and Old Tippecanoe! 

He fought by our side for the Nation, 
When we trounced little Van and his 
crew; 
We had men that could beat all crea- 
tion — 
John Banks and Old Tippecanoe! 

One a son of your own "Pennsylvany," 
Kind-hearted, frank, honest and true. 

And the other of gallant "Virginny" — 
John Banks and Old Tippecanoe! 

In Harrison's name we o'erthrew 'em; 

In Banks' the same we can do. 
Up, Harrison boys! Up, and to 'em — 

For Banks and Old Tippecanoe! 

Our Banks never stopped or suspended. 
But steered the right course and 
sailed through. 

Success! it has always attended 
John Banks and Old Tippecanoe! 



141 



Then huzza! boys, we'll row up Salt true to nature. In fact, they cannot be 
Ri^*?!' otherwise when tal<en by tJiis art. A 
The Lo<^os in spite of their pranks. great recommendation tliis mode of 
While such patriots we cherish forever taking likenesses is the short time re- 
As Tippecauot? and John Banks. quired at a sitting. In one minute it 
I August 4. 1841.] is accomplished, and if not satisfactory 
to all concerned no loss of time and 
The people of Northampton felt a money is sustained. We recommend 
pride in Judge Banks' candidacy, he the ladies and gentlemen to call and 
having once occupied the office of gratify their curiositv and receive a 
Pi-esideni Judge of your county courts. good likeness. They will find tlie pro- 
biit. notwithstanding sentiment in the fessors polite and obliging, and demon- 
premises, politics was pr«^eminent. strate what we have stated above." 
The election of 1S41 resulted in tlie [December 1. 1841.] 
choice of David R. Porter for Governor. The above process of portraiture is 
the returns for the county being as now obsolete, photography having be- 
follows: come its legitimate successor. In 
Governor. Boston, however, there is an old-time 

John Banks 2.302 daguerreotyper. who plies his ancient 

David R. Porter 3.4G7 vocation with success.it having become 

Assembly. a social fad with some. who have plenty 

J. K. Heckman 3.403 of time and money, to have themselves 

Asa Packer 3.509 produced in antique stvle. A revival 

Joseph Kerr 3.419 of the method in other localities is. 

J. R. Struthers 225 therefore, a possibility. Boston having 

Sheriff. taken the initiative. 

Samuel Adams 2.445 

Peter Steckel 2.636 

Conrad Heckman 576 

Treasurer. 

Peter Young 2.890 

Charles Williams 2.633 

Auditor. 

S. Taylor 2.S76 

A. Berlin 1.049 



THE IXTRODUCTIOX OF THE 

DAGUERREOTYPE. 
"Photograph Likenesses of the Daguer- 
reotype. 

Messrs. Livermore & Stinson. profes- 
sors of the above art., have talven 
rooms at A. Patier's confectionery for 
a few days for the purpose of taking 
likenesses !n the above art, where 
they invite the ladies and gentlemen 
of this borough to call and view speci- 
mens of these likenesses. This is ac- 
knowledged by all leai'ned men to be 
the only way that a perfect likeness 
call be taken. Messrs. Livermore & 
Stinson will receive calls from 9 a. m. 
to 4 p. m. Messrs. Livermore & Stin- 
son will instruct any gentlemen in the 
above art and furnish all the appai-atus 
that belongs to the profession. Like- 
nesses are taken so cheap in this man- 
ner that a whole family can be taken 
for about the same as it costs for one 
to be painted. 

Easton, Nov. 24. 1841." 



THE DAGUERREOTYPE. 
"We have seen several excellent 
likenesses of some of our citizens taken 
by this superior invention. Every per- 
son who sees them pronounces them 



142 



NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PENNA. 



Historical and Biographical Notes and 
Sketches, Compiled from Unpublish- 
ed Manuscripts, Contemporaneous 
Newspapers, and Other Sources, by 
Ethan A. Weaver. 

Contributed to the Argus. 



Miscellaneous News Relating Chiefly 
to Easton, Pa., and Its People, 
Gathered from the Columns of the 
"Whig." 



The newspapers of a community 
where everyday occurrences are 
chronicled, are the best sources from 
which to gather material for its his- 
tory. For the period when there were 
no newspapers we must depend upon 
diaries, and other manuscripts — these 
for the most part, however, are meagre 
in the information which they con- 
tain. 

Easton is exceptionally fortunate in 
having within the walls of two its li- 
braries, and with the local newspapers, 
files of newspapers published in Eas- 
ton frpm 1798 to 1903 excepting for 
the very important period — 1810 to 
1815, and from 1816 to 1821. Files of 
the latter may exist elsewhere, but 
1 have no knowledge of them. 

An effort should be made to secure 
for the city library (whose building 
I presume is fire proof) the files of the 
Weekly and Daily Argus, Weekly and 
Daily Free Press and the Express 
(representing the several political par- 
ties) from their beginning to date, and 
preserve complete files of current is- 
sues of these and bind them annual- 
ly, and see that all are handled by 
responsible persons only. A failure 
to accomplish this, will be greatly re- 
gretted by posterity. 

Through the kindness of an old friend 
I have been permitted to examine the 
files of the Whig published at Easton 
under various combination of names 
from 1828 to 1868, a period of forty 
years — thirty-nine of these bj' one of 
tue ablest journalists that this com- 
monwealth ever produced, the late Jo- 
siah P. Hetrick. My examination cov- 
ers the years 1828 to 1853 inclusive. 
The interesting contents of these files 
amazed me. The first page of the 
Whig was devoted to literary matter 
only — stories and poems — many 
of them from local writers — Margaret 
Junkin (Preston) — whose first pub- 
lished verses are dated at Easton; 
Mrs. Gray, Mrs. E. S. Swift, Mrs. Ellet, 
Samuel D. Patterson, Alexander E. 
Brown, Matthew S. Henry and numer- 



ous others. The second page devoted 
to Mr. Hetrick's editorials — frequently 
caustic and always readable, and for- 
eign news; the third page local and 
county news — Mr. Hetrick's style here 
al.so visible, with clean and often in- 
teresting advertisements on the last 
page; frequently — when news was 
scarce ads. appeared on the third page 
also. 

I have selected from the files of 
the Whig such material as I have 
thought would interest some of your 
readers at least. These cover the 
vears 1823 to i;-31, and a few items 
of 1834, and from 1842 to 1853, the end 
of Easton's first century. Contribu- 
tions covering the period from 183Z 
to 1841 were printed in tne columns 
of the Easton Free Press during a 
former management. 

ETHAN A. WEAVER 
Germantown, Pa., December 23, 1903. 



182S. 



Summer Arrangement. — Old Line. — 
Easton Mail Stage. — Daily from 
Philadelphia to Easton, Bethlehem, 
Allentown and Doylestown. 
The proprietors have added to their 
Easton line, a branch line which leaves 
N. Buck's tavern, every day on the 
arrival of the Easton stage, and pass- 
es through Bursuntown, Springtown 
and Hellertown, to Bethlehem and Al- 
lentown, making the distance equal 
from Philadelphia to Easton, and Beth- 
lehem, viz: 56 miles, and much the 
shortest route to Easton. 

Leaves the oflice. No. 124, North 
Fourth street, Philadelphia, every 
morning, except Saturday, at 6 o'clock; 
breakfast at ^enkintown; dine at Otts- 
ville, and arrive in Easton, Bethlehem 
and Allentown early in the afternoon. 
Returning — Leaves Allentown at 
5 o'clock, and Easton and Bethlehem 
at 6 o'clock every morning except Sat- 
urdays; breakfast at Monroe, and 
Hellertown — dine at Willow Grove, and 
arrive in Philadelphia early in the af- 
ternoon. 

Fare from Philadelphia. 

To Doylestown $1.25 

Easton, Bethlehem and Allentown $3.00 
With a liberal allowance of baggage. 
All baggage at the owner's risk. 

For seats apply to M. Wilson, at the 
office. No. 124, North Fourth street, 
Philadelpnia; William White, hotel, 
Easton; Eagle hotel, Bethlehem; Dan- 
iel Kramer, Allentown, and at the in- 
termediate offices. 

JOHN MOORE & CO., 

Proprietors. 
March. 1828. 



143 



NOTE — Regular mail stages leave 
Easton every Monday, Wednesday, 
and Friday mornings, for the following 
places, viz: Milford via Stroudsburg; 
New York via Schooley's mountain 
springs; Reading and Lancaster; 
Mauch Chunk and Berwick; New 
Brunswick, iNewton and Newburg Bel- 
mont. Mail stages also run from Beth- 
lehem for Wilkesbarre, Mauch Chunk, 
Reading, .sew York, etc. 



Summer Arrangement — New Line of 
Stages. 

Twice a week from Easton, and 
passes through Stockertown, Wind 
Gap, Hamilton, Pocono, Sterling, Sa- 
lem and Canaan, to Mount Pleasant, 
a distance of eighty-one miles. 

Leave Easton, every Wednesday and 
Friday mornings, at 4 o'clock, and ar- 
rive at Mount Pleasant every Thurs- 
day and Saturday, about 12 o'clock. 

RETURNING — Leave Mount Pleas- 
ant every Wednesday and Friday at 
11 o'clock a.m., pass through the above 
mentioned places, and arrive at Easton 
at 7 o'clock p. m, 

A daily line of stages will run from 
Philadelphia to Easton in connection 
with the line. It also intersects the 
New York and Owego line, at Canaan, 
and the Newburgh and Ithaca line at 
Mount Pleasant, on both days. 

Passengers will find this a cheap and 
interesting route, as it passes through 
a healthy country, and crosses the rail- 
road which connects with the Hudson 
and Delaware canal, about six miles 
from the coal mines. Likewise this 
is the nearest and best route from 
Philadelphia to the western part of the 
state of New YorK. 
Fare through, from Easton to Mt. 

Pleasant $4.25 

Way-passengers charged in propor- 
tion. 

All baggage at the owner's risk. 
JAMES ELEY & CO. 
balem, April, 1^-8. 

Education. 

A public school was opened on Mon- 
day last, in the south corner of the 
second story of the academy in Easton, 
for the reception of youth of both 
sexes, where the principal branches of 
English education wul be taught, and 
a strict attention will be given to the 
cultivation of both morals and man- 
ners, so as to prepare the youth for 
future usefulness. 

TERMS OF TUITION— From two dol- 
lars to three dollars and a half per 
quarter. 

A share of public patronage is re- 
spectfully solicited by the teacher. 



D. V. BRADFORD. 
Easton, May 7, 1828. 

"The Tented Field." 

Some years ago. General Rogers vol- 
unteered his services to the United 
Slates, and went to Marcus Hook or 
Carnp Dupont, where he enjoyed him- 
self on "the tented field" undisturbed 
or undismayed by the enemy, and se- 
curing few extra dollars per day for 
the use of his wagon and team, be- 
sides other equally honorable marks 
of distinction. On his return to Eas- 
ton, nothing was spoken of but "the 
tented field" — the columns of his pa- 
per repeated it, and the woods, and 
the groves and the dreams, from Lack- 
awaxen to Bushkiln,gave back the all- 
inspiring sounds. But while he had 
been thus engaged in "the tented 
field", on the service of his country, 
affairs at home had not progressed al- 
together in full conformity with the 
personal views of the general. A gen- 
tleman of the name cj' Wolf had been 
nominated for the very office which 
tlie general had very carefully set 
apart for his own especial benefit, and 
on discovering this to be the fact, the 
general "blew harder and harder"about 
"the tented field," and when the walls 
of Jericho were thrown down, the blast 
was nothing in comparison to the gen- 
eral's tem-ta-ra-ra, about "the tented 
field." The general also with no small 
degree of address, super-added some- 
thing by way of allegory: — "The Wolf 
indeed had got in among the sheep, 
while he, the general, had been engag- 
ed in 'the tented field,' and it would 
be ingratitude and injustice to deprive 
him of the office." Whether the gen- 
eral was elected we are not informed, 
but the whole circumstance showed 
th t his military services in "the tent- 
ed field" were not so much the inde- 
pendent glow of patriotism as a sordid 
desire of office and popularity. In de- 
nominating the people of the county 
as "sheep" he might not have intend- 
en such an insult as the word seems 
tc convey; but truth, however, will 
sometimes crop out through inadver- 
tence, and the genei'al, in all probabili- 
ty-, mav have regarded the people of 
this county as a flock of sheep, fit only 
to be fleeced and imposed upon by a 
hand as dexterous as his own in the 
arts of political cunning and duplicity. 
For this, he has persuaded them that 
he has been a uniform Democrat, and 
for this he would now attempt to im- 
pose General Jackson upon them as a 
deserving candidate for the :)residen- 
cy. 
June 27, 1828. 



144 



The Tented Field. 
Rogers was there, and what did he 
do? Why eat Uncle Sam's beef and 
pork, without rendering any service for 
it. Had he happened to have been 
forced into a skirmish, he would have 
considered himself qualified to be a 
candidate for the presidency; as it 
was, he bellowed out his services in 
the tented field, most stoutly. What 
a contrast there is between such pa- 
triots of the present day, and those 
worthies who served thro' the Ameri- 
can revolution — and who, though they 
suffered and bled, had too much mod- 
esty to bawl about the tented field, 
or claim any merit for the hardships 
which they endured, while such men 
as Hom, Hutter, etc., would in the time 
of the revolution have been stigmatis- 
ed as a continental hard bargain. 

Tom calls the supporters of the ad- 
ministration renegadoes. Strange as 
it may seem, but it is nevertheless 
true, that those who live in glass hous- 
es, have the temerity to throw stones 
• — now the very reverse of this charge, 
will apply to the supporters of Jackson 
— for I verily believe that one-fourth 
of the votes that Jackson will receive, 
making use of Tom's term, are renega- 
does. Tom is like the pole-cat when 
his bladder of filth is expended, he 
makes faints by throwing up his tail, 
to frighten his antagonist. 

After comparing Adams to Cromwell, 
as Tom has done, he has got to the bot- 
tom of the bag of his vile slanders. 
Americans, what do you think of his 
impudence? 

AN OLD REPUBLICAN. 
July 18, 1828. 



A Soldier of the American Revolution. 
DIED — On Sunday, the 14th instant, 
(Sept., 1828,) Mr. Conrad Kreider, of 
Allen township. Northampton county, 
at the advanced age of 92 years. He 
has left behind him a posterity of one 
hundred and twenty-six, consisting of 
children, grandchildren, and great- 
great-granchildren. He has exhibited 
a striking example of the happy ef- 
fects of a life of singular regularity 
and temperance. 



General Rogers, above referred to, 
was for many years one of Northamp- 
ton's most illustrious citizens. He was 
born in Waterford, Ireland, 1780, the 
son of Joseph Rogers, who came to 
America in 1786 and settled in Phila- 
delphia. The son, Thomas, in early 
youth, learned the art of printing and, 
having acquired some skill and ex- 
perience, he went to Washington City 
and was employed in the office of the 



J'Ttional Intelligencer and remained 
there for several years. Subseo.uently 
he removed to Easton, Pa., where he 
founded the Northampton Farmer and 
Eastern Weekly Advertiser in 1805. 

During his residence in Easton he 
compiled, printed and published a 
work entitled "A New American Bio- 
graphical Dictionary on Remembrance 
of the Departed Heroes, Sages and 
Statesmen of America." It passed 
through three editions — ^a copy of each 
being in my library. The first edition 
was printed in 1S13, the second in 1823 
and a third in 1824. 

In the war of 1812 he was brigade 
major in the Pennsylvania troops that 
marched to Marcus Hook for the de- 
fence of Philadelphia, and rose to the 
rrnk of brigadier general, which he 
held a long time in the Pennsylvania 
militia. 

In 1818 General Rogers became a 
member of the National House of Rep- 
rosf-nratives and took his seat in the 
Fifteenth Congress March 24, 1818; 
he was re-elected to the Sixteenth, 
Seventeenth and Eighteenth Congress- 
es r.nd served until April 26, 1824, 
when he resigned as he had been ap- 
pointed register of wills and recorder 
of deeds of Northampton county, which 
position he held until 1S30, when he re- 
turned to Philadelphia, where he was 
an officer of the UnitedStates customs. 
He was one of the incorporators nam- 
ed in the charter of Lafayette college 
and served as a trustee from 1826 to 
1S32. His death occurred December 
7, 1832, at the age of 52 years, and he 
is buried in the family plot at Glen- 
wood cemetery, Philadelphia. He was 
married to Mary Winters, daughter of 
Christian and Mary Winters, of Eas- 
ton, and in this union were born eleven 
children — ten of whom were born in 
Easton, and one, (who died infancy) in 
Philadelphia. One of the sons. Gene- 
ral William Findley Rogers, was also 
a printer, who, at one time with Ed- 
ward L. Wolf (also an Eastonian and 
son of Governor Wolf) edited the 
Beech Woodsman at Honesdale, Pa. 
Early in life he removed to Buffalo, N. 
Y., where, in after years he filled the 
offices of county auditor, comptroller 
and mayor, an^ for a time represented 
his district in Congress, where nearly 
a half century before his father repre- 
sented the old Tenth Legion of Penn- 
sylvania. He was largely instrumental 
in establishing the beautiful park sys- 
tem of Buffalo, was the first president 
and afterward secretary and treasurer 
of the park board until he removed to 
Bath, Steuben county, N. Y., having 
been elected the superintendent of the 



145 



New York state soldiers' and sailors' 
home, which position he occupied until 
a short time before his death, which 
occurred a few years ago at the age of 
about eighty. During the war with the 
Southern Confederacy he served his 
country with distinction and was after- 
wards appointed major general of the 
fourth division, National Guards, of 
New York. He was an honored mem- 
ber of the New York commandery of 
the military order of the Loyal Legion. 
One of his last acts in acknowledging 
receipt of some printed matter of mine 
referring to his father was to send me 
a portrait of his father and of him- 
self. He has children living at Buffalo, 
N. Y. 

A sister was the wife of the late 
Ur. F. A. - xCKhardt, of Bethlehem. 
A sister of General Rogers' wife (nee 
Julia Winters) married into the Bar- 
net family, of Easton, and was the 
mother of the late Commander Edward 
A. Barnet, United States navy. 

During General Rogers' residence in 
Easton, he occupied a stone house that 
formerly stood on Pomfret street, op- 
posite the German Reformed church, 
and also on Northampton street below 



the Square, and on the Square where 
the First National bank now stands — 
locations which bring to mind his 
distinguished neighbors — Ross, Wolf, 
Porter, Ihrie and others. He also own- 
ed a farm in Forks township where I 
believe he lived for a time. 

It is related that before the house 
on the Square occupied by General 
Rogers stood several tall elms that 
were removed when the bank buiding 
was erected. Under these trees, when 
the weather permitted, the older citi- 
zens of the borough would assemble 
to discuss the politics and affairs of 
the nation, the state and of the munici- 
pality. On such occasion a table was 
brought out of the house, on which a 
bottle of Jamaica rum was placed, and 
when the old burghers were giving 
their opinions pro and con they re- 
freshed themselves from the ample 
bottle before them. This was done 
nuolicly and not thought disreputable. 

Return of the Election for Brigadier 
General and Brigade Inspector in 
the First Brigade, Seventh Division, 
Pennsylvania Militia, June 28, 1828. 



ORGANIZATIONS. 



97th Regiment. 

First Battalion — Easton 

Second Battalion — Correll's 

26th Regiment. 

First Battalion — Hauser's 

Second Battalion — Lehighville 

34th Regiment. 

First Battalion — Hamilton (Monroe Co) 

Second Battalion — Pike county 

140th Regiment. 

First Battalion— Richmond (Mt.Bethel) 

Second Battalion — Kesslers 

Morgan Battalion — Corrells 

Stroudsburg Volunteer Battalion 

Mt. Bethel Volunteer Battalion, Richmond 



Briga 


iier 


Brigade 


General. 




Inspector 


o 




P 


Geo 
Joh 


B 






cr<? 






g 








^ 


P^ 72 


W 




o 


CD m 


O 




CD 


S" 5h 



Totals 1144 



318 
182 

65 
43 

101 
90 

50 
94 
24 
66 
111 



151 


285 


180 


152 


184 


215 


91 


51 


102 


82 


13 


43 


35 


37 


41 


122 


36 


20 


91 


23 


50 


42 


829 


1052 



^ ^ 



Ui 


43 


208 


— 


40 


1 


103 


— 


119 





62 


— 


48 


7 


11 


— 


39 


— 


56 


— 


101 


5 


930 


67 



Militia Elections. 
Thomas J. Rogers, the Jackson can- 
didate is elected brigadier general by 
the overwhelming majority of 252 



votes over Colonel James M. Porter, 
the Adams candidate, as General Rog- 
ers and his friends called him. This 
is no sign of the times! ! 



146 



Col. John H. Keller is elected bri- 
gade inspector by a majority of 122 
votes over Major George Hess, Jr., 
the present brigade inspector. 

Colonel Peter Ihrie, Jr., is re-elected 
colonel, Conrad Shimer is elected lieu- 
tenant colonel, John Kemmerer, major 
of the First, and Levi D. Bodder, ma- 
jor of the Second battalion, 97th regi- 
ment. 

Captain George Weber, the adminis- 
tration candidate for elector in this 
county, is elected colonel of the 26th 
regiment. Major Charles Craig, is 
elected -^eutenant - colonel, Charles 
Steubel, major of the First battalion, 
Adam Hauer, major of the Second bat- 
talion of that regiment. Colonel Kern, 
tue late colonel declined a re-election. 

John Weaver is elected colonel, Sam 
Erode is re-elected colonel major of 
the First baitalion, and Jacob Cope, 
major of the Second battalion of the 
140th regiment. Colonel Keller, now 
elected brigade inspector, was the 
late colonel of this regiment. 

In the 34th regiment, we have un- 
derstood that Col. John Westbrook 
declined a re-election, and that Capt. 
John Huston, Jr., is elected colonel, 
and John V. Bush lieutenant-colonel; 
Captain Slutter has been elected major 
of the First battalion, vice John Keller, 
Esq., the former major, and that Ma- 
jor R. Eldred is re-elected for the 
Second battalion. 

The result of tne election for briga- 
dier-general, demonstrattes one of two 
states of things: Either that General 
Rogers is personally unpopular — and 
Colonel Porter is personally popuar, 
or if the election was decided on the 
question of Jackson and Adams, that 
there are a few Adams men at least 
in this county. It is true that the 
general and his immediate friends 
placed the election on the presidential 
question, and it was owing to that be- 
ing done, that General Rogers succeed- 
ed at all — but it would be hardly fair 
to say that the result is any test of 
the relative strength of the parties 
in the brigade — which consists of 
Northampton and Pike counties. 

It is, however, fair to say, that such 
is General Rogers' personal unpopu- 
larity, and so tired have the public 
become of him — that even Jacksonism, 
in its stronghold, could scarcely drag 
him into office. 

The friends of Colonel Porter are 
perfectly satisfied with having made 
this display of the standing at home of 
•■he man, who pretends to represent 
himself as the "foremost man," of 
this county in the Jackson ranks, as 
the Atlas upon whose shoulders, all 



the hero's prospects rest in old North- 
ampton. 

We presented in our last week's pa- 
per to the attention of our readers, a 
statement which detailed beyond a 
doubt that the 84 votes given to Mr. 
Adams in the electoral colleges, rep- 
resented the votes of 12,3S7 more citi- 
zens than were represented by the 99 
votes of General Jackson. The total 
number of electoral votes, is 261 con- 
sequently as General Jackson even fell 
thort of a majority in that number by 
32 votes, the election, in accordance 
^Yith the constitution, devolved on the 
House of Representatives. The first 
vote of that body terminated the con- 
test for that time and by the annexed 
statement it will appear, that if Mr. 
Adams had on his side a majority of 
popular votes in the electoral colleg- 
es, the popular votes represented by 
the votes for him in Congress, placed 
him with a representative vote on his 
side, of no less than four millions, five 
hundred and twenty-five thousand, sev- 
en hundred and seventy-six of a free 
white population, and a majority over 
General Jackson of two millions, three 
hundred and ninety thousand, two 
hundred and twelve. How hollow, 
how barefaced, and how false, must be 
the assertion of those, who say that 
Mr. Adams was not, in 1825, elected in 
accordance with the majority of the 
people of the union. 

According to the last census, the 
free white population of the United 
States (exclusive of the District of 
Columbia, which has no voice in the 
matter) amounted to seven millions, 
nine hundred and eighteen thousand, 
three hundred and forty-seven. 

Of these, the states of New Hamp- 
shire. Vermont, Rhode Island, New 
York, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, 
Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, 
Maryland, Ohio, Illinois, embracing a 
free white population of 4,525,776, 
voted for Mr. Adams. 

The states of New Jersey, South 
Crirolina, Indiana, Alabama, Pennsyl- 
vania, Tennessee, Mississippi, embrac- 
ing a free white population of 2,135,564, 
voted for General Jackson. 

The states of Delaware, Virginia, 
North Carolina, Georgia, embracing 
a free white population of 1,257,122, 
voted for Mr. Crawford. 
June 6, 1828. 

The Fourth of July (1828.) 

Was celebrated in this place with 
more than usual spirit, perhaps elicit- 
ed by an honorable spirit of rivalry 
and emulation in our volunteer corps. 

Salutes were fired, and the bells 
rung at sunrise. The companies of 



147 



artillery paraded at an early hour, and 
by the correctness of marching, wheel- 
ing, movement and exercises, reflected 
credit upon themselves for their im- 
provement in the art of military. The 
companies were each provided with 
excellent martial music, and upon this 
occasion the very superior band of mu- 
sic from Bethlehem, attended the pa- 
rades of the Citizen Volunteers and 
Washington Grays, who performed 
their evolution and dined together. 

At 10.30 o'clock, a procession was 
formed, consisting of the Easton Ca- 
dets, commanded by Capt. Eberle, nnd 
a portion of our citizens, who proceed- 
ed to the Brick church, where the '^ev. 
Mr. Gray having first addresse. the 
throne of grace in prayer, the Decla- 
ration of Independence was read by 
Lieutenant P. Shuman, of the Cadets, 
and an address was delivered by Mr. 
Gray, which, tnose who heard it, speak 
of as one of the happiest efforts of 
his chastened mind. During the exer- 
cises at the church, several pieces of 
appropriate music were performed and 
sung by the choir under the direction 
of the Rev. Thomas Pomp. Both the 
vocal and instrumental music were 
remarkably fine. 

A little before 11, another procession 
was formed, consisting of the Citizen 
Volunteers, commanded by Capt.Wey- 
gandt. and the Washington Grays com- 
manded by Capt. Ihrie, and another 
portion of our citizens, who proceeded 
to the Stone church (Reformed) where 
the throne of grace was addressed by 
i_^e Rev. Mr. Hicks, the Declaration of 
Independence read by Capt. Jacob 
Weygandt, Jr., and an appropriate ad- 
dress delivered by the Rev. Mr. Hecht. 
'i'his address is also spoken of by those 
who heard it, in the highest terms of 
commendation. The exercises of the 
church were also accompanied with 
excellent instrumental music, from the 
choir who attended on the occasion. 

Salutes were fired at 12 o'clock from 
the field pieces of all the companies — 
two of them stationed on Mount Jef- 
ferson, the other on Mount Washing- 
ton, north of the Bushkill. 

The company of Cadets, with several 
of the citizens, dined at Spring Garden, 
the Citizen Volunteers and Washington 
Grays, dined in Judge Wagener's lot 
on Juliana street, where a dinner was 
provided for them by Mr. John Burt, 
the host of the Golden Swan. 

These celebrations professed to ex- 
clude politics. 

The friends of General Jackson din- 
ed at the "point." Capt. D. D. Wage- 
ner read the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence, and the Hon. George Wolf de- 



livered an address. General Rogers 
presided and Colonel Ihrie and A. E. 
Browne, Esq., were vice presidents. 
For a full account of the proceedings 
at "the Point," etc., we must refer our 
readers to the Heroite papers of this 
place. [Argus.] 

A party of the friends of the admin- 
istration assembled in the long room 
of the Easton hotel at half past 2 o'- 
clock, where i^e Declaration of Inde- 
pendence was read by John J. Wurts, 
and an address delivered by the editor 
of this paper. 

It was prepared on such short notice 
as to induce us to claim the public in- 
dulgence for its defects. The company 
then sat down to a dinner got up in 
Mr. White's best style. James M. Por- 
ter, presided, supported by Thomas 
Cawley, Esq., and Col .A. Miller, as 
vice presidents. 

A celebration of the 52d anniversa- 
ry of our National Independence, by 
the friends of the administration is 
Lo take place at the old encampment 
ground near Valley Forge, in Chester 
county, on Saturday, the 26th instant, 
(July, 1828.) It is expected that a 
very great concourse of citizens will 
be assembled on this occasion, and the 
Leiection of a scene, connected with 
important events of our revolutionary 
v/ar, cannot fail to add an interest to 
the celebration of its glorious result. 
jt will be recollected that it was at 
Valley Forge, the army of General 
\/ashington, was hutted during the 
winter of 1777— '78, and at the very 
time, when the British forces under 
yir William Howe, still held possession 
of Philadelphia. 

One of the rare pamphlets in my li- 
brary is an account of this celebration, 
or "Harvest Home meeting," as it was 
toliod, when "a large number of the 
people assembled at Valley Forge, the 
ground rendered sacred by the suffer- 
ings of the American army under 
AVashington, with a view to celebrate 
their great festivals, and strengthen 
each other in the love of their coun- 
try." 

Reference is made to the fact that 
at the conclusion of the reading of the 
Declaration of Independence, "the no- 
1 ie ])?.n;l of music consisting of twen- 
ty-five repectable citizens from Beth- 
lehem, Northampton county, who had 
generously volunteered their services 
for the occasion, struck up a national 
air; its fine tones were however soon 
lost amid the thundering of cannon, 
and the acclamations of the crowd." 

A number of the survivors of the 
Revolution were present, among these 
Peter Duponceau whose address is 



148 



printed in this pamphlet, who describ- 
ed as well as could be, the scenes in 
the Valley forge Camp in 1777-78. 
Celebration by the Easton Cadets. 
According to previous arrangement, 
the "La Pondre" the gun of the corps 
was placed upon the Bushkill hill, in 
view of the town, and at day break a 
morning gun was fired, the reveille 
beat, and the national colours hoisted. 
At sun rise a funeral salute was fired, 
accompanied with martial music, and 
the bells of the town were rung. At 
C o'clock the company formed at the 
arsenal, and paraded through the 
streets of the borough until 11 o'clock 
when they halted in the Square, and a 
large procession of the citizens was 
formed, which they escorted to the 
Presbyterian church, where an excel- 
lent and appropriate address was de- 
livered by the Rev. Mr. Gi'ay, accom- 
panied with very fine vocal and instru- 
mental music. After the service ac- 
company the organization was finished, 
the company proceeded to Spring Gar- 
den. At 12 o'clock a national salute 
was fired. At 2 o'clock the company 
sat down to a plentiful and excellent 
dinner, spread in the garden • by Mr. 
Bittenbender, at which the Revs. 
Messrs. Gray and Pomp, and many of 
the citizens, were present. 

After the cloth was removed. Cap- 
tain Ebei'le was appointed president, 
and Lieut. Shuman, Lieut. Kohl and 
A. H. Reeder, vice presidents and the 
following toasts were drank. 

The day we celebrate. It is record- 
ed on the annals of the world in char- 
acters of blood and glory, and time will 
never efface it. One gun; six cheers. 

The memory of General Washington 
— His name alone would make a na- 
tion respected. Drank in silence. 

The Sages who launched our bark 
into the storm of the revolution, and 
the Heroes who braved and quelled 
its fui-y — The enthusiastic gratitude of 
freemen is their reward. 1 gun and 
6 cheers. 

The President of the United States. 
1 gun, 3 cheers. 

The Governor of Pennsylvania. 1 
gun, 3 cheers. 

The Constitution of the United 
States — the terror of despots and the 
bulwark of our liberties. May no un- 
hallowed hand despoil its symmetry. 
1 gun, cheers. 

The Foreigners who lent their aid 
to our emancipation — May we never 
let an opportunity pass to express our 
gratitude for their disinterestedness. 1 
gun, 6 cheers. 

The StarSpangled banner of our coun- 
try — The noble emblem was the swad- 



ling cloth of Liberty. May it cease 
to exist only when freemen are ex- 
tinct. 1 gun. 6 cheers. 

The naval and military ofllcers of 
the late war — They sustained in our 
second trial the character which our 
country had acquired in the first. Let 
tneni noi be forgotten. 1 gun, 3 cheers. 

The struggling Grecians— Their un- 
paralleled devotion to their cause has 
been the admiration of the world. May 
the God of Battles soon place them in 
a situation to extend to us the hand 
of Brotherhood and equality. 1 gun, 
b cheers. 

The march of Internal Improvement 
and refinement — the time is not far 
distant when the boasted superiority 
of Europe will be but an empty name. 
1 gun, 3 cheers. 

Volunteer Companies — May their dis- 
cipline and their patriotism make them 
a sure dependence in time of need. 
] gun, 3 cheers. 

The i^adies — Last though not least 
— May the influence they possess over 
us ever be caused to make us appre- 
ciate our blessings and love our coun- 
try. 1 gun, 3 cheers. 

Volunteer Toasts. 

By the Pre&ident. Our worthy Guests 
— We feel grateful to them for having 
honoured our celebration with their 
presence. 

By Vice President Kohl. The Rev- 
erend Orator of the day— He has gain- 
ed a character for eloquence which 
cannot be derogated from. 

By Vice President Reeder. Thad- 
dius of Kosciusko — The stranger who 
struggled for us in blood and peril. 
May he never be forgotten by the 
people whom he loved. 

By Peter Cleman. The Day we cele- 
brate — Unparalleled in the political an- 
nals of the world. 

By M. J. Miller. The Cbnstitution of 
the United States— The political bible 
of freedom. 

By George Horn. Our worthy Host — 
The fragments show that his entertain- 
r.ent was relished. 

By Daniel Troxell. The Soldiers of 
the United States Army — Disciplined, 
brave and patriotic. They are loved 
by their country and respected by their 
eutmies. 

B\ George Menner. Freedom, wher- 
ever she be. 

By Abraham Miller. The Fourth of 
July — A day dear to every American. 
May its beauty not be marred by petty 
partisans, but let it be as it should be, 
a political Sabbath. 

By J. B. Hunt. America — The 
birthplace of freedom. May she, as 
she now is, be ever of the honor. 



149 



By Thomas M'Kinsley. Commodore 
Perry— The hero of Lake Erie. While 
the uavy of America exists he will 
never be forgotten. 

By Wm. Nagle. Volunteer Compa- 
nies — Easton has recovered her char- 
aciei for military spirit. May she 
never again lose it. 

By Dr. F. A. Fickardt. Our Country 
— Loaded with blessings. May she 
never be forgetful of the source from 
whence thov sprung. 

By George Troxell. — The Reverend 
Orator of the day — Thanks or eulogium 
■would be superfluous. 

By Hiram Hess. The Easton Cadets 
— May their prosperity equal their 
untiiiimity and discipline. 

By Michael Trittenbach. Our gov- 
ernment — A glorious monument of the 
wisdom of its founders, and the valour 
of its supporters. 

By P. iriatz. The Heroes and Sages 
of 76. — The noblest men that were 
ever engaged in a noble cause. 

By J. M'Gowan. The lioerty of our 
country-^May we cherish it as the gift 
of Heaven, and part with it only with 
our lives. 

By Edward Cathrall. The Company 
styled the Easton Cadets^May they 
slond as firm and undaunted as the 
rof k of Gibraltar. 

By William Menner. The Sages and 
H'5roes of '76 — The former at the helm, 
iin'! the latter at the setting-poles. 
Ti ey shoved our vessel through the 
rapids of the revolution in spite of the 
ripples and rocks of tyranny and op- 
pression, and the head-wind of tory- 
ism; and though their peak was lower- 
ed and the sail reefed, by poverty, 
have anchored us safely in the eddy 
of liberty. 

By Chas. Gretz. The Commanding 
Officers of our regiment. — Faithful 
and active, in the performance of his 
duties. 

By Dr. Lachenour. The Military Spir- 
it in Easton — No where surpassed, and 
seldom equalled. A proud evidence 
of the Independence of its inhabitants 
and of their love of country. 

By a Volunteer. Lieutenant Spering 
of the United States Marines —Eas- 
ton hails him as a son, and is proud 
of him as an offlcer. 

By Herman S. Heckman. The Eas- 
ton i'adets — May they be as anxious 
m case of necessity, to defend the 
rights and liberties of their country, 
cs were the heroes of 'vo. 

B. C. A. Keller. Liberty — Our fore- 
fathers struggled hard to obtain it. 
May the virtue and valor of their de- 
scendants preserve it forever. 



By P. F. Melick. Patrick Henry — 
The Demosthenes of America. May 
he never be forgotten at an anniversa- 
ry of that independence which was 
dear to him as his heart's blood. 

By Mr. Gaines: 
Here's health to the sons of the United 

States, 
Who fought and conquered with Wash- 
ington and Gates. 

By John Marbacher. The Liberty 
our ffc,thers fought for, and we enjoy. 
May it be transmitted pure and unsul- 
lied tiom generation to generation, 
until time shall be no more. 

By J. H. Wilking. The Plough 
Share — its splendor is brighter than 
that of the sword, and it point is not 
stained with blood. 

By Charles Whiteman' The Day we 
celebrate — May it never be disgraced 
by party feeling or private selfishness. 

By William Shouse. The memory 
of (Jeneral George Washington — "First 
ir. v/ar, first in peace, and first in the 
hearts of his countrymen." 



Celebration at Nazareth. 

The following are the toasts drank 
at the celebration of the Fourth of 
July at Nazareth, where Mr. Miksh 
was president, and William Smuch 
vice president, after an address by 
i..ie president and tae reading of the 
Declaration of Independence. 

The day we celebrate — The first 
that dawned in freedom, the first il- 
lumed with the sun of peace. May 
its memory be commemorated with 
ilii cx'5i.ence. 

The memory of George Washington 
— The founder of this mighty republic. 
He was first in war, first in peace, and 
is first in the hearts of his country- 
man. 

The Heroes and Sages of the Revo- 
lution — May the gratitude of the Amer- 
ican people, whicu is due to them, 
ever be attested, by preserving, un- 
polluted, the charter of our liberties 
by them achieved. 

The United States — United in one 
V inmon interest, cemented in virtue, 
the sure basis of a happy republic 

The President of the United States — 
A distinguished scholar, an unequalled 
statesman, a genuine patriot. May 
the virtue and wisdom of his adminis- 
tration be transmitted to his succes- 
sors. 

Henry Clay — Identified with his 
country's honor, devoted to her rising 
interests — no less distinguished for el- 
oquence than upright and virtuous ac- 
tions. 
Richard Rush — A firm friend to inter- 



150 



nal improvements, an unwavering sup- 
porter of domestic manufactures. May 
our country be long blessed with his 
labours. 

Governor Shultze — The enlightened 
and independent governor of a great 
state. He knows in what the best in- 
terests of our country consists, and 
fears not to pursue it in spite of clamor 
and dictation. 

William Clark, late treasurer of this 
state, and now treasurer of the United 
States — "An honest man's the noblest 
work of God." 

American Manufactures — Their en- 
couragement the true mode of enrich- 
ing our country, and making us inde- 
pendent. 

Our Brave Defenders in War— A free- 
man's arm can best defend a freeman's 
home. May they never be inhumanly 
sacrificed to blood-thirsty cruelty. 

Genera] Andrew Jackson — While we 
give him credit for his military ser- 
vices in the late war, we pronounce 
him totally unqualified for the chief 
magistracy of the nation. 

The Fair Sex — Their influence in 
society must always be great. May 
they ever, as .xeretofore, inculcate that 
patriotism is with them a passport 
to their esteem. 

Volunteer Toasts. 

By Jacob Brunner. May we never 
live under the reign of General Jack- 
son, nor be subjected to the yoke of 
his accustomed tyranny. 

By William Smuck. May our con- 
try long be blessed with the present 
wise and virtuous administration. 

By Christian Brunner. John Quincy 
Adams — Our ablest and most polished 
statesman. The people will again test 
the genuinesness of their republican- 
ism, by re-electing him to the highest 
ofliice in their gift. 

By Frederick Miksch. May the peo- 
ple of Pennsylvania follow the ex- 
ample of Governor Shultze, in support- 
ing the present administration. 

By Christian Hoeber. May the coun- 
ty of Northampton repent of its fol- 
ly, and return to the support of the 
American system which is calculated 
to promote its interest. 

By William Frost. General Andrew 
Jackson — May he be president when 
the people get blind to i-ieir own in- 
terests. 
July 18, 1828. 



(Saturday, ine 4th inst.) at 7 o'clock. 

MANY. 
October 3, 1828. 

1829. 
Fourth of July, 1829. 
The Fourth of July next will be 
celebrated at sundry places, in the 
town. Our three Volunteer Companies 
are going to be independent, and so 
will neither parade together or dine 
together. The Citizen Volunteers, (we 
like to give rank according to age) 
dine at Opp's orchard; the Easton Ca- 
dets, at the Green Tree Inn, and the 
Washington Greys at the Point. 

Those who wish to be thought the ex- 
clusive friends of Jackson and Wolf, 
will dine at Spring Garden, provided 
they can raise enough to induce mine 
host to provide for them. 

It will be seen that a meeting is call- 
ed at Washington hall this evening, 
for those citizens who wish to cele- 
brate without bringing party politics 
into the question. What may be the 
result of it, we cannot say. 

We had like to have forgotten that 
at 11 o'clock on that day, a new Troop 
of C&,valry to be ycleped (?) 'The First 
Easton Troop' will assemble in undress 
uniform, to be inspected, and elect 
their officers. 
June 30, 1829. 



"Public Good." 

The citizens of Easton and vicinity 
friendly to the continuation of the cir- 
culation of small bank notes, are par- 
ticularly requested to meet at the 
house of John Burt, to-morrow evening 



There are no persons so apt to think 
ill of their neignbors as those who are 
capable of acting ill themselves. No 
females are so apt to speak lightly 
of the fame of others, as those who are 
of light fame themselves — and, among 
politicians, none are more likely to 
charge their neighbors with venality, 
than the most venal themselves. We 
have been led to these remarks by 
some editorial matter in the last Eas- 
ton Sentinel. Colonel Hutter chose to 
show his teeth at our having observed 
in the last Whig, that the "would-be 
exclusives" would dine at Spring Gar- 
den on the 4tn, provided they could 
raise enough to induce mine host to 
provide for tnem. And he falls to 
work to abuse us with that 
t-'ste and delicacy which is 
his peculiar characteristic, say- 
ing that we were not Masons, nor 
disposed to join the Anti-Masons. He 
says we are in ine market, ready to be 
sold to the highest bidder, like Mr. 
Meyers, eaitor of the neading Demo- 
crat. We know not how it is with that 
gentleman, nor do we care, but we are 
credibly informed that our friend Col. 
Hutter was in the market in 1817, and 
offered his support to either the Hies- 
ter or Findlay party. 
July 7, 1829. 



151 



Mr. Hutter, a few weeks since, ad- 
vertised as a valuable acquisition to 
his acknowleged extensive assortment 
of drugs, blue-beans, blank books, fid- 
dle strings anu politics, that he had ob- 
tained a new nostrum; and represent- 
ed that it would operate, not only in 
a prodigous manner on the body — but 
even play the mischief with the soul. 
The advertisement was singular, and 
we expected uo have heard something 
about its effects upon the colonel's pol- 
itics before this time. But yet, we 
are happy even at this late hour to 
find, through the editor of the centinel, 
who is the only one who has yet tried 
it, that this nostrum is too powerful 
in its operation even on the body — 
that it is attendea with peculiar 
spasms, great wrath, and ends in a- 
vomit! We have these facts from the 
last number of the Centinel. Should 
more be furnished, we will present 
them to the medical faculty of our 
vicinity, that tney may be able to pro- 
nounce whether said nostrum will re- 
cover him, so as to admit of his getting 
an office next fall. "We think not. 
July 7, 1829. 

Note — The Mr. Hutter referred to 
above, was Col. Christian Jacob Hut- 
ter, founder of the Northampton Cor- 
respondent (1806) and also of the Senti- 
inel (1817), father of the late William 
H. Hutter for many years editor and 
publicher of the Argus. 

Solar Microscope. 

The public are respectfully informed 
that the ooIslt Microscope, which mag- 
nifies a million of times, is now ex- 
hibiting at the house of John Shroeder, 
sign of the Biack Horse, in Easton, 
for three days only. 

By the solar microscope, the little 
eels, living in vinegar, are magnified 
to the length of a man's arm, and a 
little of the sugar of a fig, or dust of 
old cheese, put upon the point of a 
needle, is represented like a parcel 
of large rats scampering up and down 
over each other's backs, on the top of a 
huge post; and a large collection of 
other interesting objects are also ex- 
hibited, from the feathers and quills 
of a butterfly's wing, to the hairy leg 
of a spider, which is made three times 
as large as that of an elephant. 

Fifty persons can view the objects 
magnified by the microscope at the 
same time; and those who would 
rather look at their own vinegar, etc., 
than that kept by the exhibiter, can 
do so. This microscope has been ex- 
pensively patronizftfi by ladies and gen- 
tlemen in various parts of the coun- 
try. 



Hours of exhibition from 8 a. m. to 
5 p. m. when t^e sun shines only. 

Admittance 25 cents — children half 
price. 
Easton, July 14, 1829. 



Balloon Ascension. 
A large ba^^oon formed of paper 
will be sent up in Easton, near the 
house of Mr. John Burt, on Thursday 
evening at 8 o'clock. It will be 25 feet 
in height and 80 feet in circumference, 
and it is hoped the ladies and gentle- 
men will come out and see it — as it 
will be an interesting sight, and they 
will no doubt be much gratified. 
Easton, July 28, 1829. 



New Express Line of Post Coaches, 
Between Philadelphia and Easton. 

Leaves William Shouse's GVeen Tree 
Hotel, Easton, daily, at 6 o'clock a. 
m. and arrives in Philadelphia the 
same day, at a seasonable hour to dine. 
Performing the route generally in nine 
uours. Returning leaves the United 
iStates Mail Office, No. 28 South Third 
street, daily, at 6 o'clock a.m. and arrive 
at Easton same day in time to dine. 

Seats in this line may be secured 
by applying to William Shouse, Eas- 
ton, and to J. Reeside, No. 28 South 
Third street; H. Wade. Golden Swan 
Hotel, No. 69 North Third Street, and 
to A. McCalla, White Swan Hotel, 
Race street, where every information 
required will be given. 

Fare through, three dollars. 
To Rising Sun, J. Bilger's lnn.$0 25 
Branch Town, J. Child's Inn, P. 

o 371/2 

Shoemakertown 44 

jcnkintown, L. Grant's Inn, P. 

50 

Abington, J. Stevens' Inn ... 62% 
Willow Grove, J. McCalla's Inn, 

P. 75 

Mcreland Point, Musselman's 

Inn 811^ 

Horseham Meeting House SlVz 

Graham Park, J. Kirk's Inn.. 94 
Neshamouy Creek, J.Addis' Inn 1 00 
Newville, F. G. Lukin's Inn . . 1 12i^ 
Hughesville, C. Bloom's Inn.. 1 18% 
Doylestown, J. School's Inn, P. 

1 25 

Dyers Town 1 37% 

Danville, S. Nicholas' Inn . . 1 44 

J. Rodrock's Inn, P. 1 62% 

Pipersville, J. Kechline's Inn. 1 65 

Tohickon Bridge 1 8I14 

Ottsville, Dr. Ott's Inn, P. 0..2 00 
H \rrow, J. Watson's Inn . ... 2 06% 

N. Buck's Inn 2 18% 

Stoney Point, G. Kiples' Inn . . 2 31^4 
Durham, T. Long's Inn, P. O. 2 50 
Deemers 2 62% 



152 



Shiveley's Inn 2 75 

Mrs. Morgan's Inn 2 STYz 

Easton, Wm. Shouse's Hotel. 3 00 
JAMES REESIDE, Philadelphia, 
WILLIAM SHOUSE, Easton, 

Proprietors. 



September 29, 1828. 

This line connects from Easton 
with Bethlehem, Allentown, Reading, 
Mauch Chunk, Berwick, Mount Pleas- 
ant Milford, Wilkesbarre. Nazareth, 
Montrose. Ithaca, Geneva and Buifalo; 
Belvidere, Newton and Newburg; Mor- 
ristown and Schooley's Mountain 
Springs line of coaches. 



DIED— On the 20th ult, (Sept, 1829,) 
in Lower Saucon, Mr. John Peter Wey- 
gandt, in the 87th year of his age. 



Revolutionary Soldiers. 
John Shook. 

Died, in this place, on Thursday 
night, last, December 10, 1829, in the 
76th year of his age, John Shook, a sol- 
dier of the Revolution, and known for 
many years as the oldest tavern-keep- 
er of this place. For some years 
past he has been auiicted with 
total blindness. On Sunday his re- 
mains were committed to the silent 
tomb. The members of our three ar- 
tillery companies attended in uniform' 
to pay the last sad tribute to the mem- 
ory of a soldier of 1776. 



Peter Meddagh. 

Departed his life, at his residence 
in Lower Mt. Bethel, Pennsylvania, on 
the evening of the 28th ult., (Novem- 
ber, 1829, in the 81st year of his age. 
He was one of the first who volunteer- 
ed to face the enemy at the commence- 
ment of our struggle for independence. 
He went out in what was called the 
Flying Camp, and met the British on 
Long Island. In the engagement he 
was taken prisoner, conveyed on board 
a prison ship, then lying off Long Is- 
land. He often described the wretch- 
ed condition in which the American 
prisoners were placed. Crowded in the 
hold, with scarcely room to lie at 
length on the filthy floor, and compell- 
ed to sustain nature with food scarce- 
ly fit for swine, thrown down through 
a hole in the deck. Many of the poor 
wretches died of their sufferings, but 
the superior condition of Mr. Meddagh 
enable him to escape the fate of his 
companions in captivity. He was, 
however afflicted with infirmity aris- 
ing from his sufferings while on board 
the prison ship until his decease. 



1830. 
Important Information. 

It appears that the Hickory club of 
this place had a parcel of canes turned 
by the celebrated Mr. Francis Jackson 
of Easton, on his horse lathe, out of 
the shell bark hickory pole which used 
to stand before the tavern of Capt. 
Nungesser, much to the detriment of 
his travelling custom, one of which 
said canes was sent on to Wasington 
to be presented to General Andrew 
Jackson, president of the United 
States. The important business of pre- 
senting the cane was performed by 
our representative in Congress, Colo- 
nel Peter Ihrie, Jr., with one of his 
best flourishes, and would you believe 
it, gentle reader, the general actually 
subscribed his name to a letter return- 
ing thanks to the committee of the 
Hickory club who sent it on to him, 
and the said letter is to be read to 
all who will choose to assemble to 
hear it, on the evening of the 8th 
inst. at Captain Nungesser's. 
January 5, 1830. 



April 20, 1830 to March 11, 1835. 
Accident. 

We understand that during the snow 
storm of the 26th last March, (1830) 
the stage between Easton and Milford 
was upset. The passengers were not 
much injured, except a Mr. Masse, of 
Philadelphia, was crushed by the 
weight of four passengers, who fell 
upon him ,and it is a wonder he was 
not killed. He was conveyed to the 
house of Mr. Flick, in Richmond, where 
he was bled, and receives every atten- 
tion, and is now under the attendance 
of Doctor Van Ness. 



A correspondent wishes to know 
what is the reason our Philadelphia 
mail arrives so late at night. He says, 
when the opposition ran, they could 
get in from 2 or 3 o'clock generally — 
now they arrive as late as 8 and 9 o'- 
clock at night, and letters received 
by it cannot be answered by return 
of mail. The proprietors can perhaps 
answer this inquiry. 

Another of our subscribers wishes 
to know whether the storekeepers have 
rented the footwalks of our borough 
from the corporation, as places of 
deposit for empty boxes. We presume 
they have not, but that the storekeep- 
ers are merely tenants at sufferance, 
and parade their boxes on the pave- 
ments from motives of economy, to 
save the expense of advertising the 
receipt of fresh supplies of goods. 
April 27, 1830. 



153 



William Eichman tenders the compli- 
ments to the Hon. Sam. Innes, editor 
of the Argus, and would-be recorder, 
and is extremely sorrow that he is 
under the necessity of presenting bills 
to those who never subscribed for his 
paper, and after refusing payment, he 
in a very ungentlemanly manner, notic- 
es it in his paper. 

The attack upon me from the source 
it emanates, ought scarcely to require 
a single remark; but having concluded 
to say to the public that I never sub- 
scribed for his paper, and consider In- 
nes no gentleman. The vulgarity of 
his paper is the daily talk of the town. 
Easton, April 27 (1830.) 



We would like to see a cast coal 
stove that would answer for cooking 
and warming dwellings. Should our 
friends in Mauch Chunk furnish us 
with a model, that would come low, 
we would insure them that double the 
quantity of coal that was used here 
last winter, would be consumed by 
our economical citizens during the en- 
suing winter. 
i>^ay 4, 1830. 



Yesterday the corner stone of the 
new Lutheran church, on Ferry street, 
in this borough was laid with the ac- 
customed ceremonies. The reverend 
clergy of all the persuasions in the 
borough were present, and a great con- 
course of people attended. The Rev. 
Mr. Yaeger, of Allentown, delivered a 
very appropriate discourse in the Ger- 
man language, and the Rev. Henry 
Miller, of Bucks county, in English. 
The music, both vocal and instrumen- 
tal, was very good. 

In the stone were deposited a Ger- 
man and an English Bible, a German 
and an English hymn book, a German 
and an English catechism, the current 
United States coin, the names of the 
officers of the general, state and bor- 
ough governments, etc. 

The building we are told will be one 
which will do credit to the taste and 
public spirit of the congregation. 
June 1, 1830. 



On Tuesday evening last, (June 22, 
1£30) Capt. Page's company of State 
Fencibles from Philadelphia paid us a 
visit. Pursuant to previous arrange- 
ment the volunteers of this borough, 
consisting of the First Easton troop, 
under command of Capt. Porter; the 
three companies of artillery, viz., the 
Citizen Volunteers, Captain Hepburn; 
the Washington Grays, Captain Yohe, 
and the Easton Cadets, Capt. Menner, 
assembled in the Square at about 2 



o'clock, p. m., when the whole was 
placed under the command of Col. Ih- 
rie, and marched out the lower Bethle- 
hem road about two miles from town. 
About 6 o'clock the Fencibles arrived. 
The customary salutes passed and the 
detachment and escort took up the 
line of march to town, enlivened by 
fine music from Johnson's band, which 
accompanied Captain Page's company. 
After passing through the principal 
streets, the troops about 8 o'clock were 
dismissed at the Spring Garden hotel, 
the quarters of our visitors. On 

Wednesday the Fencibles paraded, 
and on Thursday they and the three 
artillery companies again paraded, and 
partook of a sumptuous dinner on the 
island in the Bushkill, [North Third 
street.] On Friday evening we had a 
ball at the v^reen Tree hotel, in honor 
of our visitors, who left us on Satur- 
day morning for Bethlehem and Allen- 
town, in the packet boat Swan, com- 
manded by Capt. Hillman, whence they 
returned hither on the 27th inst. to 
dine, and left in the afternoon for the 
city in Durham boats. Our citizens 
vied with each other in cordiality to 
their visitors, and what migui have 
been wanting in style and etiquette was 
made up in hearty welcome and good 
feeling. 
June 29, 1830. 



A Card. 

"The undersigned, a committee in 
behalf of the volunteer company of 
State Fencibles, return the sincere 
thanks of the members to Mr. Horst- 
man, for the refreshments provided so 
kindly by him, and to their host at 
Germantown, Mr. Helt, and Col. John 
Watmaugh, for their attention; to 
Judge Fox and other citizens of Doyles- 
town, for the very handsome and gra- 
tuitous repast provided at that place, 
as also to Mr. Fields for his politeness. 
The remembrance oi their civility will 
be of a lasting character. 

"The committee fear, that in turning 
their attention to Easton, Bethlehem, 
Allentown and Nazareth, they will be 
altogether unable to do justice to their 
military and citizens. So many acts 
of civility were exhibited, and so many 
proofs of affection experienced, that it 
is exceedingly difficult to speak of 
laem all in the light in which they 
should be mentioned. 

"They cannot however omit to notice 
the attention of General Thomas J. 
Rogers, and Colonel Peter Ihrie, of 
Easton. To those distinguished indi- 
viduals the Fencibles owe muca, their 
conduct during the stay of the corps 
was of the warmest and most devoted 



154 



kind. The escort into Easton, com- 
posed of Capt. Porter's troop, Capt. 
Hepburn's Citizen Volunteers, Capt. 
Menner's Easton Cadets and Capt. 
Yohe's Washington Grays, all under 
the command of Col. Ihrie, was truly 
martial and imposing. To those offi- 
cers, Major Kammerer and Lieuts. 
Lattimore, Miller and Cornet Yard of 
the troop, Lieuts. Wagner and Bixler, 
of the Citizen Volunteers, Lieuts. Ree- 
der and Marbacher of the Cadets, and 
Lieuts. Field and Barnet of the Grays, 
the Fencibles feel themselves special- 
ly indebted for soldierly attention and 
kindness during their stay. The ban- 
quet upon the island and the public 
ball given out of compliment by the 
military and citizens of Easton are 
still remembered. The Fencibles can- 
not forget the profusion of good things 
upon the one occasion, nor the beau- 
ty and fashion which graced the other. 

"The committee would also notice 
the friendly deportment of Mr.William 
Shouse, at whose house the ball was 
given, and the obliging disposition of 
Mr. J. E. Phillips, with whom the com- 
pany quartered at Easton. To the 
citizens of Nazareth, much is due for 
their kind reception and generous 
treatment. 

To Captain Henry Woeler, Lieuts. 
Andress, Till and Gundt, of the Beth- 
lehem Guards, and the citizens of Beth- 
lehem, the committee scarcely knows 
what to say. The repast provided at 
the house of Mr. Wells, the splendid 
band, military escort, examination of 
the church and the pleasure grounds, 
were all in the highest degree accept- 
able — and rendered doubly grateful by 
the sincere and devoted attention of 
Mr. Charles F. Seidel, inspector; Dr. 
Steckel, Jedediah Weiss, Charles F. 
Beckel, Joseph Rice, Esq., Dr. Stout, 
Timothy Weiss, Christopher Luck and 
others, whose names are not remem- 
bered. The visit to Bethlehem and 
its hospitable people, will long be 
spoken of in terms of gratitude by ev- 
ery Fencible. 

"To Capt. Frey, Lieuts. Pretz and 
Horn, of the Allentown company,much 
praise is due, for their beautiful pa- 
rade and spirited escort, as also to 
Henry King, Esq., Col. John Romig, 
Major Samuel A. Bridges and Cat)t. 
John F. Ruhe, committee of arrange- 
ment, and the citizens of Allentown, 
for the very splendid dinner prepared 
in the company, and their affectionate- 
ly warm reception of the officers and 
men. They are remembered by hearts 
made happy by their attention. 

"In conclusion the committee tender 
to all with whom it was the good for- 



tune of the Fencibles to become asso- 
ciated during their tour, the expres- 
sion of the company's gratitude for 
l1:j most extraordinary marks of kind- 
ness and good will ever extended to 
a military body upon the like occa- 
sion. ' 

James Page, Captain. 

Peter Pritz, 1st Lieut. 

Amos Howell, Act. 2d Lt. 

Wm. Upperger, 3d Lt. 

State Fencibles. 
July 6, 1830. 



Reform is the order of the day every 
where, at least in profession. Our 
goodly borough is more effective in 
reformation than any place we know 
of. When the present charter was 
granted, some two years since, our 
council went to work in earnest to 
regulate and reform our streets, foot 
walks, etc. The foot walks have been 
very much improved, and barring two 
or three cases of poor men, who can- 
not well afford it, they are in a fair 
progress of regular reformation. 
The work of reformation in our 
streets is also in progress or what 
was formed in the last year is this 
year reformed. But the best reforma- 
tion in relation to them we have seen 
in the proceedings of council is the 
ordinance to clear the pavements of 
boxes, fish barrels, stoves, ploughs, 
grindstones, etc., nuisances long and 
justly complained of. 

Quere, does the ordinance reach the 
cases of watch boxes or has the bank 
any more authority than an individual 
to ccupy public ground? 

July 20. 1830. 



Attention Troop. 

The First Easton Troop will assem- 
ble for parade, completely equipped, 
at the Green Tree Inn, (Shouse's) on 
Friday, the 10th day of September 
next, being the anniversary of Perry's 
victory, at 9 o'clock p. m. Punctual 
attendance is requested, and each 
member must be provided with thir- 
teen rounds of blank cartridges — ab- 
sentees will incur a fine of one dollar. 

By order of the captain, 

E. S. CLARK, O. S. 
Easton, August 31, 1830. 



Easton Manumission Society. 
Last week two gentlemen from Ha- 
gerstown, Maryland, arrived at this 
place in search of a fugitive fromi la- 
bor, or slave, who had escaped from 
that place and had taken up his quar- 
ters at the Easton hotel, in the char- 
acter of hostler. Ben, for that was 
the African's name, had by his good 



155 



conduct earned the confidence of his 
employer and others, and on being ar- 
rested, the owner, Mr. Hall, agreed to 
take $200 for him. The sum was 
promptly raised by contributions — 
mine host of the hotel subscribing one- 
half, and boarders there at, and other 
gentlemen of the place subscribing the 
residue — so that Ben is now a free 
man. 
September 7, 1830. 



Theatre. 

At Mr. Barton's Hotel, in Phillipsburg, 
opposite Easton, This Evening, No- 
vember 23 (1830). 
Will be presented (for the second 
time in America) the new drama of 
the "King's Bridge Cottage," or the 
"Evacuation of New York." 

After which, the last act of the "Hy- 
pocrite." 

To which will be added the following 
songs: "Batch of Cakes," "Song," and 
the "Calais Packet." 

After which an act of "Venice Pre- 
served." 

Jaffier Mr. Taylor 

Priceli Edwin 

Piere Bunn 

The evening's performance to con- 
clude with the farce of "Raising the 
Wind." 

Doors open at 6 and performance to 
commence at 7 o'clock precisely. 

1831. 

Died, at his residence in Moore town- 
ship, Northampton county, on Sunday 
evening the 6th instant, after a linger- 
ing and painful illness, which he bore 
with Christian fortitude, in the 83rd 
year of his age, George Palmer, Esq., 
formerly deputy surveyor of this coun- 
ty, an office which he held forty-nine 
years, and in which capacity, as well 
as in private life, he was characterized 
for accuracy and integrity. He was 
interred on Wednesday following in 
the English burying ground in Allen 
township, attended by his weeping 
family and a very large concourse of 
friends and neighbors, who will long 
mourn their irreparable loss. 
March 15, 1831. 

The subscribers return their sincere 
thanks to the members of the fire 
companies and the citizens of Easton 
and its vicinity, for their active and 
efficient exertions for the preserva- 
tion of their property during the dis- 
tressing and awful fire of the 19th int. 
They feel themselves particularly 
grateful to the ladies of Easton. who, 
forgetting everything except that the 



lives and property of their friends 
and neighbors were in danger, labored 
throughout the whole time of trial, ex- 
posed to the inclemency of a severe 
snow storm, with a spirit and forti- 
tude to which words of praise can do 
but feeble justice. 

WlJuLIAM WHITE, 
PETER IHRIE, JR. 
March 22. 1831. 



Perhaps in no season within a num- 
ber of years, has so great a quantity 
of lumber descended the Delaware. 
One night in the last week there were 
300 rafts in the Water Gap, and the 
amount sent to market is really almost 
beyond calculation. The snow of last 
winter enabled the hardy lumbermen 
to get out their stuff, and the regular 
and continued freshets of this spring, 
have enable them to float it out. There 
is perhaps no ot^er class of men who 
earn their money harder than the lum-- 
bermen. Constant exposure in getting 
out the timber and sawing it, and the 
continued unpleasant weather in carry- 
ing it to market, would deter men of 
less resolution and enterprising dispo- 
sitions from the business — and yet we 
seldom hear of a raftman being sicken- 
end or afflicted by fevers, cold or any 
of those diseases so prevalent among 
the more effeminate when at all expos- 
ed. 
April 5, 1831. 



Opening of the First Building of La- 
fayette College on College Hill. 

We had an article prepared for this 
paper, giving an account of the cere- 
monies at Lafayette college on Thurs- 
day the 1st instant, (May 1, 1834), 
which was the commencement of the 
first term in the new edifice. Owing 
to the reception of a number of adver- 
tisements, at a late hour, we are oblig- 
ed tq lay it over for a next week. We 
can only say in to-day's paper that the 
illumination in front of the college 
in the evening, was splendid — we know 
not that we have ever seen anything 
more brilliant. The candles having 
been prepared, at a given signal, a lit- 
tle past 8 o'clock were lighted nearly 
simultaneously, and in less than a 
minute 720 candles, being one for each 
pane of glass in the sixty windows 
in the front of the building were 
blazing. This was continued for about 
one hour, when they were almost as 
expeditiously extinguished. 

Nearly our whole population were in 
the streets to see it. 



156 



Lafayette College. 
May, 1834. 

On Thursday, the 1st inst., the first 
term of this college commenced in the 
new building. We believe all the 
rooms are finished so as to be fit for 
occupation, except the fourteen in the 
fourth or attic story, which will not 
be fit to occupy under a fortnight. 

The commencement of the collegiate 
exercises in the new college, was used 
as the occasion for the formal installa- 
tion of the professors. At ten o'clock 
a large avidience was assembled in the 
large hall of the college, when the 
board of trustees with the faculty, en- 
tered and took possession of the plat- 
form erected for the occasion. 

The Rev. Mr. Candy, of Belvidere, 
N. J., opened with prayer, after which 
the choir under the direction of Mr. 
C. F. Worrell, sung the invocatory 
hymn: "Father all Glorious." 

Col. J. M. Porter, president of the 
board of trustees, delivered a short 
address to the public, and installed 
and charged the portion of the faculty 
then present, who were duly announc- 
ed with the places of their nativity, 
etc. 

The Rev. George Junkin, D. D., a 
native of Cumberland county, Pennsyl- 
vania, graduate of Jefferson college, 
president and professor of mental and 
moral philosophy, logic, rhetoric and 
the evidences of Christianity. 

Mr. James J. Coon, a native of Alle- 
gheny county. Pa., graduate of Jeffer- 
son college, professor of the Latin and 
Greek languages. 

Mr. Samuel Galloway, a native of 
Northampton county. Pa., graduate 
of Princeton college, professor of math- 
ematics and natural philosophy. 

Mr. Frederic Schmidt, a graduate of 
the university of Erlangen, instructor 
in the German language, for the pres- 
sent. 

The laws of the college were then 
read by the president of the board of 
trustdes, to the faculty, students and 
public. 

President Junkin then delivered his 
inaugural address, which occupied 
about one hour; it is one of the most 
masterly -productions of his capacious 
and systematic mind, and was listen- 
ed to with great attention by the au- 
dience. ' 

The choir then sung the following 
original hymn, written for the occasion 
by Mrs. Jane Lewars Gray, of this 
place: 



In wrapt adoration, O come let us 

raise. 
To God, our salvation, an anthem of 

praise — 
On earth, be our faint song of gratitude 

given, 
Till holier hymns have been taught 

us in heaven. 

When hearts have been fainting and 
friends have been few, 

And hopes in our bosoms just whisper- 
ing adieu. 

Thy spirit has beamed on the gloom 
of our night 

--nd in the darkness of doubt has ex- 
pired in his light. 

To God who has reared this fair edi 

fice up, 
Our help in the past — in the future 

our hope — 
He laid the foundation — He raised the 

top-stone, 
To him be the glory, the work is his 

own. 

And all that is bright in this building 

shall be 
Great Architect, consecrate wholly to 

thee; 
Our chaplets of fame shall be counted 

but loss, 
Till we see them bedewed with the 

blood of the cross. 

To Calvary's mountain shall genius re- 
pair, 

And lay all his talents devotedly there, 

The fire of his muse, shall be fire 
from above, 

And the soul of his song, the sweet 
story of love. 

And science and learning shall bring 

as is meet. 
Their bright meed of honor to lay at 

thy feet — 
Their garlands of glory adoringly fling, 
O'er the thorn-woven crown of our 

crucified King. 

Enkindle, great God, in our bosom a 

fire, 
That shall brilliantly burn when yon 

sun shall expire — 
A spark from thine altar in Heaven 

bestow. 
To light in our hearts such an altar 

below. 

From this fair hill of science. Oh let 

us but see 
Moriah's bright summit, we'll go there 

with thee 
And labour for laurels to strew in thy 

road, 
And shout our Hosannas of glory to 

God. 



157 



The services were closed by prayer 
from the Rev. Mr. Menkling, of Clin- 
ton, N. J., and the benediction pro- 
nounced by President Junkln. 

We learn that the board of trustees 
unanimously requested of the presi- 
dent of the board of trustees and of 
the president of the college, to fur- 
nish copies of their addresses for pub- 
lication. 

We understand that about sixty 
boarding students had arrived on the 
first day, and that the number is daily 
increasing. 

A Monstrous Trout. 
Mr. G. H. Gk)undie had his large trout 
served up at a dinner last Monday, at 
Bethlehem, of which General Cadwal- 
ader and lady of Philadelphia partook. 
It was perhaps the largest 

spring water trout ever known in this 
section of tne country. It was 22 
inches long, 19 inches in circumference 
and weighed 7 pounds and 2 ounces. 
Mr. G. we are told has from 3 to 400 
fine ones in his trout hovise, measur- 
ing from 9 to 16 inches. 
June 17, 1834. 



FOURTH OF JULY. 



Celebration of the Fourth of July, 1834. 
Firsi. Easton Troop. 

The troop formed according to order, 
OD the morning of the fourth instant, 
and after parading, they partook of an 
excellent dinner, at the house of D. 
Cor.nor. The Declaration of Inde- 
rendence was then read by Dr. Wm. 
Rogers, after which the following 
toasts were drank." 

(Here follows a number of toasts.) 

Citizens Volunteers. 

According to arrangement the day 
was ushered in by the ringing of bells 
and firing of cannon. The company 
parade at their quarters according 
to order at 8 o'clock, and after march- 
ing through the different streets of the 
borough they retired to the house of 
C. Engle, where at 1 o'clock the com- 
pany, AviLh a number of citizens set 
down to a plentifully supplied table 
prepared for the occasion. After the 
cloih was removed, Capt. D. W. Butz 
was appointed president, and Joseph 
Laubach, and Horace B. Wolf, Esq., 
vice presidents. The Declaration of 
Iiioependence was then read in a clear 
and distinct manner by Samuel Sny- 
der, Esq., when the following toasts 
were dvank. 

(Here follows a number of toasts.) 



Washington Grays. 

The company after firing the federal 
salute from Mount Jefferson at sun- 
rise, paraded at nine o'clock, and after 
marching through the principal streets 
of the town, commenced drilling and 
performing evolutions in the Centre 
Square until 12 o'clock — when they fir- 
ed the national salute at the Lafayette 
hotel, after which they set down ac- 
companied by many of their fellow cit- 
izens to a most sumptuous dinner, 
prepared m Mr. Shewel's usual good 
style, where the following toasts and 
sentiments were given and interspers- 
ed with songs and martial music. 

(Here follows a number of toasts.) 

We are credibly informed i lat there 
are now stored in the store houses of 
Easton, one hundred thousand dollars 
worth of produce which, had it not been 
for the pressure of the times, would 
have been sent to Philadelphia. This 
accounts for the lack of business along 
the Delaware canal and rivers. 

A g(aitieman from an upper county 
informs us that he had this year to 
sell lumber for eight dollars per thous- 
and, for which he last year received 
fourteen dollars and fifty cents. So 
much for the experiment of political 
quacks and office hunters, which is ta- 
king the L tad out of the mouths of 
honest men. 
July 15, 1834. 



Lafayette College. 
Easton, Pa., September 23, 1834. 

A number of the students of Lafay- 
ette college, having met for the pur- 
pose of taking into consideration the 
pecuniary embarrassments under 
which the board of trustees are labor- 
ing as regards the facilities neces- 
s:^ry to the successful prosecution of 
the Manual Labor system of Educa- 
ticii, C. F. Worrell was called to the 
chair, and Jno. Janvier, appointed sec- 
retary. It was on moiion, 
Resolved, That a general meeting of 
the students be called at 1 o'clock p.m. 

Resolved, That a committee of two 
be aipointed to present a preamble 
and resolutions expressive of the views 
of this T'eeting. 

One o'clock — At the general meeting 
of the students, the committee appoint- 
ed for that purpose, presented the fol- 
lowing preamble and resolutions which 
were unanimously adopted. 

Whereas, The laboring department 
of this institution is of vital import- 
ance to the success of the whole, inas- 
much as it promotes healthful and vig- 
orous action, whilst it gives to the 



158 



student an opportunity of being in a 
measure the malter of his own fortune. 
And whereas the erection and furnish- 
ing of a large and commodious shop, 
are altogether indispensable to the 
pi' secution of this plan. And where- 
as, the treasury of the board of trus- 
tees is not in a condition to meet the 
expense necessary to be incurred, 
which, will fall not far short of $4000, 
an expense, which if it continues to 
rest on our president as it now does, 
nibst inevitably trammel his opera- 
tionfj, and greatly impede the ultimate 
success of the entire plan, therefore 

Resolved, That the students will, 
during the coming vacation, use their 
utmost exertions to raise the amount 
above named. 

Be-'olved, That these proceedings 
signed by the officers of the meeting, 
be laid before the public, and that they 
be affectionately and earnestly re- 
que&tofl to second the present effort. 
CHAS. F. WORRELL, Chairman. 
Jno. Janvier, Secretary. 

Editors favorable to the cause of ed- 
ucation, will please insert the above 
in their respective papers. 

Miscellaneous local news in the clos- 
ing years of Easton's first century: 

1842. 
In one of my contributions I re- 
ferred to the departure of Dr. George 
Junkin, first president of Lafayette 
coll-ege, from the scenes of his labors 
at Easton, to Oxford, O., where he 
had accepted the presidency of Miami 
University. In the nine years that he 
resided at Easton, he made many 
friends and when the following an- 
nouncement reached Easton, It cast a 
deep gloom over the entire commu- 
nity: 



The Death of Rev. George Junkin. 

A letter to the editor of the United 
States Gazette, dated on the 5th in- 
stant, at Oxford, Ohio, gives the mel- 
ancxioly intelligence of the death of 
Rev. George Junkin. The writer states 
that he died at the Miami University, 
after an illness of a few days. The 
letter had Deen extensively copied by 
the country printers, and great regret 
is manifested in the unexpected loss of 
so useful a man. Hopes are entertain- 
ed by his relatives and numerous 
friends in this vicinity, that the con- 
tents of the letter are not correct. 
Although two weeks have expired 
since the date of the letter, no commu- 
nications to corroborate the statement 
have been received by his brother or 



other friends, and we are inclined to 
believe he is yet alive, and hope his 
life and health may be spared for 
many years. 

April 20, 1842. 

ihe hope which was expressed that 
Dr. JunKin might be alive and spared 
for many years was fully realized. 
Not only was the announcement of 
his death false, but he lived twenty- 
six years longer, retui'ning subse- 
quently to Lafayette, afterwards and 
until the Rebellion caused him to re- 
sign, he was president of Washington 
college, Va., (now Washington and Lee 
University,) and always prominent as 
a minister and a leader in the church. 



Dr. Junkin. 

Letters have been received from 
Rev. ijeorge Junkin, written at the 
Miami University, in which he states 
that the letter published a few weeks 
ago, giving an account of his death, 
was written by a student who had re- 
ceived correction for errors and in- 
stead of repentance, resorted to false- 
hood. That the Rev. gentleman was in 
the enjoyment of excellent health on 
the 20th of April, the date of his last 
letter, will be highly gratifying to his 
numerous friends in this place. 

Tv-ay 4, 1842. 



The following concerning the move- 
ment afoot sixty years ago to protect 
home industries is not without inter- 
est; it was the movement which gave 
birth to what is known as the tariff 
bill of '42: 

Early in the year 1842 the move 
ment for organization became general 
and the local body adopted a consti- 
tution and elected as delegates to the 
general convention held in New York 
on April 5, Hon. James M. Porter, 
John Stewart, H. D. Maxwell, Anthony 
IvIcClay and Samuel Yohe. 

The delegates to the state conven- 
tion at Harrisburg were Washington 
McCartney, Michael Myers, Stephen 
Baliiett and Owen Rice. 

Hopewell Hepburn, James M. Porter 
and J. Glancy Jones were appointed a 
committee to prepare an address to 
the people of the county. 



Home League. 

At a meeting of the Home League of 
the county of Northampton, held April 
ly, lh,42. 

Hopewell Hepburn, Esq., president. 

Abraham Miller, David Barnet and 
John Stewart, vice presidents. 

H. D. Maxwell and G. W. Barnet, sec- 
retaries in their places. 



150 



J. Glancy Jones, Esq., from the com- 
mittee appointed for the purpose of 
the last meeting, read an address to 
the League, after which 

It was on motion Resolved, That the 
thanks of the League be returned to 
the committee for the very interest- 
ing and able address presented, that 
the editors of our newspapers be re- 
quested to publish the same, and cop- 
ies thereof be sent to the member of 
Congress from this district, and sena- 
tors from this state. 

J. M. Porter, Esq., being then called 
upon addressed the League in a forci- 
ble appeal upon the necessity of the 
protection of Home Industry. 

It was then moved, that when this 
meeting adjourn, it adjourn to meet 
at the same place on Monday evening 
of next week, at 7 o'clock p. m. 

On motion the League then adjourn- 
ed. 

(Signed by the officers.) 

Address of the Home League. 

On April 19, 1842, the Home League 
held a meeting at Easton and a com- 
mittee consisting of Hopewell Hep- 
burn, J. M. Porter and J. Glancy Jones 
(Chairman) were appointed to prepare 
and deliver an address on the subject 
of Home Industry. An address cover- 
ing five columns of the "Whig and 
Journal ' appeared in that paper, de- 
voted to the subject of the tariff, pro- 
tective or American System, as it 
was indiscriminately called, and was a 
strong paper in support of all home in- 
dustries. The portion of the address 
relating to Northampton county was 
as follows: 

'■ 1 our committee are not able to pre 
sent an accurate statement of the 
manufacturing interest in detail, in 
the Uuiteu States nor in the state of 
Pennsylvania; but as this league In- 
tenas only to represent its own local 
interest, we have taken some pains to 
arrive at an estimate of the 
manufacturing interest of North- 
ampton county. This estimate is 
as nearly correct as we could make it, 
though we do not vouch for its entire 
accuracy. 

The population of Northampton 
county is about 41,000. This county is 
divided into 21 townships, and em- 
braces an area of 874 square miles; its 
population are characterized for their 
industry, sobriety and thrift; its sou 
is nighlj fertile and so well adapted 
to the growtii ot grain, it abounds in 
mineral wealth, and possesses the ma- 
terials for making one of the richest 
couiities in the state. It exports, up- 



wards of 200.000 tons of coal annually. 
In Iso^ it contained 181 stores, 50 
flouring mills which manufacture up- 
wards of 337,500 barrels of flour and 
it is estimated that it now exports 
flour to the value of $600,000. In ad- 
ciition to this she possesses other 
manufactures, in which large capital is 
invested — the principal are the fol- 
lowing: 

In coal trade, as above given in the 
county of Northampton, there is in- 
vested $8,000,000. In leather $250,000; 
in iron embracing furnaces, foundries, 
forges, rolling mills, nail manufac- 
tures $350,000; coach and wagon mak- 
ing $80,000; slate, $50,000; blacksmith- 
ing, $100,000; shoe establishments, 
$100,0u0; tobacco, $20,000; saddle and 
harness, $luO,000; cabinet and chair 
making, $125,000; cotton factories, 
?)50,000; woolen factories, $100,000; 
ready made clothing a branch in which 
females are deeply interested, amount 
not known; hat and cap making, not 
known. The exports of flour valued 
at $600,000. In addition to these are 
many other branches of industry ,which 
; our committee could not include in 
their estimate for want of more ac- 
curate information. Among others, 
rcight have been inserted the manufac- 
lur? of mill stones, capital invested in 
the importation and improvement of 
stock, etc. 1 he amount of capital 
thus invested in the county of North- 
ampton, reaches in the gross sum of 
$9,325.00. Where is the ruthless hand 
that would lay these infant establish- 
ments these buildings of his country's 
hope, in the dust to make way for for- 
eign institutions and foreign inter- 
ests? In connection with this esti- 
mate it should also be stated, that 
thes-e establishments give employ- 
ments to a large number of hands who 
are consumers of flour, beef, pork, 
potatoes and the various other pro- 
ducts of the soil. Slop these opera- 
tions and what is the consequence • — 
these men and women must live? Why 
they will become producers; the con- 
stimption from this source will stop, 
and they will contribute to the over- 
production of agricultural supplies; 
the market will be glutted; every one 
v/ill have to sell, and none can buy — 
l?nd will depreciate in value; the pre- 
cious metals will be drained from the 
country i.o pay for our domestic con- 
sumption of foreign manufactures; 
England will still refuse our exports, 
and wp will present to the world the 
astonishing phenomenon of a country 
l;l3Rsed to profusion with the smiles of 
heaven, suffering in the midst oi abun- 



160 



dance; surrounded with an excess of 
the necessaries of life and yet, except 
simply to satisfy the cravings of hun- 
ger, in daily want; and all this be- 
cause disregarding the laws of nature 
and of reason; we refuse to protect 
our own interests. This is no fan- 
cied picture, there is not a man in 
this house but could see its effect, if 
tried in his own county. Let every 
man turn farmer, and what is the re- 
sult? We cannot live on bread alone, 
although it is the staff of life, and if 
traue is destroyed we must all farm 
on some scale. 

If room and time would admit, your 
committee would be glad to say some- 
thing in reference to the assertion fre- 
quently made, that if we did not manu- 
facture for ourselves, others would for 
us, and they would consume what our 
manufacturers do now. 

This seems plausible at first sight, 
but it is fallicious — for In the first 
Place, England by her corn laws, uas 
fixed prohibitory duties "on our agri- 
cultural productions; and in the sec- 
ond place, these foreign corporations, 
if they could monopolize the markets 
of tne world, would almost make them- 
selves independent of the human race 
by carrying on their establishments 
with machinery; and let it be remem- 
bere.t that iron and wooden machin- 
ery doing the work of thousands of 
men, are not consumers of bread and 
meat." 

The oflacers of the Home league 
were Jacob Weygandt, president; G. 
Hess and Jacob Able, vice presidents, 
and H. D. Maxwell, and Michael My- 
ers, secretaries. 

J. Glancy Jones above referred to 
had just located in Easton as a young 
lawyer, his office was on North Third 
street, near the Public Square; he 
subsequently removed to Reading, Pa., 
where he became distinguished as a 
lawyer and a statesman, serving for 
a time in Congress, and as minister to 
Austria. His sons Charles Henry 
Jones, Esq., of Philadelphia, and Rich- 
mond L. Jones, Esq., of Reading, are 
prominent members of the bar at this 
time in their respective counties. The 
former is also an author of several 
published historical and genealogiscal 
works, and an officer of the Pennsyl- 
vania State Society of Sous of the 
Revolution. 



Bethlehem's Centennial Celebration. 

The town of Bethlehem was founded 
in 1742 — ten years before the forma- 
tion of the present county of North- 
ampton and its capitol town, Easton. 



The following account of its Centen- 
nial gives interesting historical infor- 
mation: 

Bethlehem, Pa. 

Messrs. Editors: — As the citizens 

of ^eiuiehem, intend on the 25 day 

of June inst., celebrating the centenary 
of li^at beautiful town, (.it being one 
hundred years on that day, since the 
permanent establishment of the col- 
ony sent from Germany by Count Zin- 
zeu^orf, at that place;) I have thought 
that the following collection of facts 
in the history of Bethlehem, would 
not be uninteresting to your readers. 
They are collected down to the year 
17o7, ciiiehy from the history of the 
Moravian Missions in North America. 

In the year 1740, a few Moravian 
bretnren, under their bishop. Rev. Da- 
vid I\itschman, had agreed to com- 
mence a settlement at Nazaretn in 
this county, from whence, in the same 
} ear, they were driven by the threaten- 
ings of the hostile Inmans in the 
neighborhood; on account of which 
a rich merchant, offered to sell them 
a tract of land vthe present site of 
lietnlenem) which they bought, and de- 
termined to commence their settle- 
ment there, in the then wilderness for 
the purpose of propagating the gospel 
among the heathen; and sending to 
tlie red men, wno should proclaim to 
tnam trie Lord and his kingdom and 
salvation through his Son Jesus Christ. 

ihe place was sixty miles from the 
ne .rest town and only two European 
houses, or cabins had yet been built 
an., where in the neighborhood; they 
standing about two miles above the 
spot selected, on the river Lehigh or 
L9cha. In the summer of 1741, Chris- 
tian Henry Ranch, a missionary to the 
Indians, who arrived in New York, 
July 16, 1740, and had been preaching 
at Srickomeko, on the frontier of Con- 
necticut, visited Bethlehem. The set- 
tlement commenced March 9, 1741, and 
when the ordinary or bishop of the so- 
ciety arrived towards the end of the 
same year, a small frame or log house, 
and stable were only finished; and as 
the congregation house or church was 
not yet built, they were obliged to 
celebrate Christmas in a stable, on 
account of which it was called Bethle- 
hem. 

In 1741 Buettner, Pyraleus and Zan- 
der and towards the end of the year. 
Count zjinzendorf arrived at Bethle- 
hem, and at the synod at Oley, Janu- 
ary 7, 1742, Buettner preached to thir- 
ty-two Indians from the text; — "He 
hath delivered me from the powers of 
darkness and translated us into the 



161 



kingdom of his dear son." On Feb- 
ruary 11, 1740, three Indians were 
baptised by C. H. Ranch, at Oley, in 
presence of brothers Buettner, Nitsch- 
man, Zinzendorf and others, viz: 
Shabash who was named Abraham; 
Seim, Isaac, and Kip, Jacob. The con- 
gregation that had been colonized by 
the exertions of Count Zinzendorf, in 
Germany, sailed from London, in 
March 1742; and after great danger of 
being captured by Spanish cruisers, 
arrived in Philadelphia, June 7. 1742, 
and settled at Bethlehem, where they 
received their regulations from the Mo- 
ravian society, as a distinct congrega- 
tion on the 25th day of June, 1742. 

In 1742 the missionaries, Frederick 
Martin, Gottlieb Israel and George We- 
Der, arrived at Betnlehem from St. 
Thomas and there met with great joy. 
Christian Henry Ranch, and Indian 
John, from Shekomeko. Shortly after 
Count Zinzendorf left Bethlehem on a 
short tour among the Indian tribes; 
he went as far as "Tulpehoken" accom- 
panied by Conrad Weiser, they re- 
turned to Betnlehem, and on August 
21, the count accompanied by hjis 
daughter Beningna and Anthony Seyf- 
fart, set out over the Blue mountain 
to Shekomeko. In September 1743, 
the first baptism of Inuians took place 
at Bethlehem, viz.: two men who were 
named David and Joshua, and towards 
liie Close of September, Count Zinzen 
f;orf,s9t out to visit the Indians on the 
Susquehanna, with Martin Mack and 
wife, and David and Joshua, and re- 
turned November 9, 1742. In the be- 
ginning of 1743 the count went back 
lo Europe. 

Bishop A. G. Spangenberg, to whom 
had been given the charge of the af- 
fairs of the Brethren in America, ar- 
rived at New York, in December 1744. 
February 23, 1745, Gottlieb Buettner 
i8d and was buried at Shekemoko. In 
April 1745, the first Delaware Indians 
were baptized at Bethlehem; which 
caused a great sensation in the tribe, 
as these (a man and woman who were 
named Gottlieb and Mary,) were the 
first of their nation who had ever sub- 
mitted to the rite of baptism. David 
Zeisberger and Gottfreid Rundt, left 
Bethlehem in July 1751, for Onondaga, 
to reside there and learn the Indian 
language. 

In July 1752 a large embassy of Nan- 
tikoK and Shawanese arrived atBethle- 
hem to establish a covenant with the 
brethren, and in March 1753, a second 
embassy arrived consisting of twenty- 
two. The resort of strangers to Beth- 
leaem out of curiosity became very 



great about this time and upwards of 
1000 Whites and Indians visited it in 
1751. Nov. 17, 1756, the governor of 
Pennsylvania visited Bethlehem. The 
news of Count Zinzendorf's death ar- 
rived at Bethlehem in August, 1760. 

On the night of November 18, 1763, 
an incendiary attempt was made to 
burn the town; the oil mill was con- 
sumed and the water works adjoining 
were saved with great difficulty. Au- 
gust, 1768, the Indian congregation 
residing at the settlement of Nain, 
about one mile from Bethlehem, passed 
tnrough the town on their way to Ma- 
chwihilusing (Wyalusing) on the Sus- 
quehanna. David Ziesberger attended 
a conference at Bethlehem, in the 
spring of 1771 to consider the situa- 
tion of the Indian congregation at 
freirienshutten," and "Tschechesche- 
quannik," who, it was thought could 
not long maintain themselves at these 
places, on account of the Iroquois, hav- 
ing sold the land, and partly because 
of a contest' between the New Eng- 
landers and the Indians of Wajomick; 
ay which Freidenshutten was much 
disturbed; and further on account of 
the European settlers daRy increasing 
above and below Freidenshutten and 
^..e Rum trade tending to seduce the 
young people; whereupon on resolu- 
tion the Indians were directed to be re- 
moved to the Ohio. 

In 1779. Joan Frederick Reichel ar- 
rived from Europe and held a con- 
ference with all the missionaries at 
-.ehem; and in 1787, the Society 
Oi the United Brethren for spreading 
the gospel among the brethren, were 
incorporate^ by the Legislature of 
Pennsylvania, since whicix time Beth- 
lehem has been steadily increasing in 
size and importance, and is now one 
of the most beautiful towns in Penn- 
sylvania; and is much resorted to by 
strangers from all parts of -^e coun- 
try on account of the beautiful scenery 
in the neighborhood and the interest- 
ing incidents connected with its histo- 
ry. 

In the vestry room of their fine large 
church are preserved the portraits of 
the following fathers of their colony, 
viz: Count Zinzendorf, Michael Graff, 
1. reuericK Dettmers, A. Lawatsch, Paul 
Munster, A. G. Spangenberg, C. V. 
Zinzendorf. son of the count; Petrus 
Boehler, Gottlieb Bezold, George Neis- 
ser, A. P. Thrane, David Zeisberger, 
Johann Arbol, C. Pyraleus, P. C. Ba- 
der, Frederick Martin, Christian Sei- 
del and Martin Mack, all in oil col- 
ors and painted from life by an artist 
contemporary with the persons named 



162 



above. Tradition at Bethlehem as- 
serts them to be good likenesses; 
there are two other large paintings in 
the same room by the same author, 
one representing the Moravian fa- 
thers preaching to the Indians, and 
the other a representation of Paul 
preaching at Athens; all of which are 
well executed and well worth a visit 
or examination. 

On Main street stands another, very- 
great curiosity and a relic of olden 
time in the shape of a fire engine built 
-ii London in the reign of William and 
Mary, A. D. 1698, by a man named 
Brooke. This engine was shipped 
from Loudon with the colonists in IV 42, 
and yet exists, just as it was received, 
with the exception of some common 
Dlue paint which has been put on late- 
ly; it is about eight feet long, stands 
on low wheels with strong wooden ax- 
les and is constructed much on the 
same principle of the New York fire 
engines of the present day; it is a 
curiosity in every sense of the word; 
the work yet stands firm, and is 144 
years old, no doubt the oldest thing of 
the kind in tne United States. R. E. 

Easton, June 3, 1842. 



OFFICIAL RETURNS, 

Of the votes given at the Military 
election held in the First brigade 
Seventh Division, P. M., June 1842. 

Brig. General. 

Peter Ihrie 1466 

No opposition. 

Brigade Inspector. 

Charles Kindt 1853 

John R. Finley 404 

J. Eylenberger 260 

Thomas Heckman 191 

Abraham otauffer 90 

97TH REGIIVIENT. 
Colonel. 

Samuel Arndt 496 

David Barnet 72 

Lt. Colonel. 

Charles Kale 442 

D. W. Butz 15 

1st Major. 

R. M. Zink 146 

A. K. Wagener 14^ 

B. Gotshalk 91 

F. Rodroch 42 

2nd Major. 

S. bnable 163 

J. ijuckenbach 1 

26TH REGIMENT. 

Adam Hower 429 

Joseph Hillman 308 

Jacob Baer 150 

163 



Lt. Colonel. 

Joseph Wertz 439 

Jacob Sheffler 284 

S. H. Lacier 120 

1st Major. 

Joseph Keichline 186 

Paul M. Miller . . ' 59 

Samuel Billheimer 98 

John Odenwelder 66 

2nd Major. 

M. Mendson 229 

C. Weyke 145 

140TH REGIMENT. 
Colonel. 

C. Sceckel 271 

J. R. Chambers 207 

Lt. Colonel. 

P. F. B. Schmidt 238 

C. K.leinfelder 200 

David Ayres 3 

1st Major. 

Jacob Long 101 

Jacob Strickland 84 

Thomas Ross 28 

2nd Major. 

John Wilson 263 

34TH REGIMENT, (MONROE.) 

Colonel. 

S. Kasley 74 

8. L. totulter 73 

aamuel Waters 54 

Lt. Colonel. 

Philip Oyer 120 

David Smith 52 

First Major. 

F. Howser 101 

C. Heney 39 

2nd Major. 

J. Allegar 53 

NORTHAMPTON VOL. BAT. 

(Lower Nazareth.) 

Major. 

R. ri. Brown 65 

Daniel Ritter 60 

MORGAN RIFLE BATTALION 

(Saucon.) 
Major. 

Jacob Keichline 58 

Balser Stever 25 

MONROE VOLUNTEER BAT. 

(Stroudsburg.) 

Lt. Colonel. 

Peter Lander 72 

Major. 
Olis B. Gordon 78 

Whigs to the Rescue! 

I'he Democratic Whigs of North- 
ampton county friendly to the elec- 
tion of the patriot, orator and states- 
man, the farmer of Ashland, the no- 
ble Harry of the West, as next pres- 
ident of these United States, are re- 



quested to meet at the court house in 
the borough of Easton, on 

Tuesday, the 16th of August next, 
at 1 o'clock p. m., for the purpose of 
an expression of their sentiments to 
that effect,and election of delegates to 
a convention of the' friends of Henry 
Clay, to meet at Harrisburg on the 
second Tuesday in September next. 
The Whigs have been deceived and 
betrayed, let them make no mistake 
this time but come out at once for the 
man they know, the father of the 
American system, the staunch advo- 
cate of a sound currency and the fear- 
less opponent of executive encroach- 
ment, dictation and misrule. Up 
Whigs, "Pick your flints and at it 
again." 

A. Miller, H. D. Maxwell, J. H. Wil- 
king, John Heckman, L. Ludwig, Wil- 
liam Green, D. Hulick, John Drake, 
Adam Yoke, S. Moore, H. H. Aber- 
nethy, W. H. Thompson, S. Sherrerd, 
Samuel Moon, F. L. Crane, John Titus, 
B. G. Clark, J. H. Cook, John A. Night- 
ingale, Joshua i-orrey, W. F. Wilking, 
J. K. Young, John Opdycke, Wm. Tin- 
dall, T. R. Sitgreaves, William Vogel, 
Joseph B. Jones, P. S. Michler, Henry 
Bender, T. L. Miller, George Barnet, 
W. Shouse, George Weber, Capt. Abm. 
Mixsell, Christian Butz, M. L. Werkhei- 
ser, Lucas Trexler, Samuel Ludwig, 
Henry Harrison, John Cooper, Rich- 
ard B. Templin, Elias Batt, E. E. Hem- 
ingway, L. Troxell, John P. B. Sloan. 
Wm. F. Fair, Tho. W. Henry. John 
Shouse, Samuel Shouse, JacobB. Heller. 
George Barnet, (C). John H. Barnet, 
James Titus, Nicholas Depew, F. Y. 
Dawes, A. McCoy, Wm. Barnet, David 
Bowman, John Kressler, Jacob Lerch, 
Edwd Luckenbach, W. E. Knauss, Ja- 
cob Loup, David Miller, Thomas 
Knauss, Henry Gruber, John Leisen- 
ring, Jonn xvlears, Jona Simpson, Wm. 
H. Brown, John Simpson, J. Lippin- 
cott, O. H. Wheeler, Joseph Butler, 
John Painter, O. N. Salsbury, Chas. L. 
Rieckardt, Joseph H. Thomas, Nehe- 
miah Losey, W. Burt, Edw. Humphrey, 
Henry Dreisbach, Benoni Bates, Sam- 
uel Hummell, Wm. A. Becker, Joseph 
Kressler, Chas. H. Humphrey, Conrad 
iCice, Jonn Leisenring, Jr., J. Edward 
Barnes, G. W. Salkeld, N. D. Cort- 
right, A. Lockhart, Henry Mears, A. L. 
Foster, A. A. Douglas, E. W. Harlan, 
Cornelius Conner, Ezra Dodson. 

August 3. 1842. 



Camp Delaware. 

In the early autumn of 1842, a mili- 
tary encampment was made at Eas- 
ton, on the hills south of the Lehigh 



overlooking the borough. The fol- 
lowing from a newspaper of the time, 
refers to the event: 

Camp Delaware. 
This truly splendid affair having suc- 
cessfully terminated, it becomes our 
duty as faithful chroniclers of the day, 
to collect together a brief memorial 
Oi its too fleeting hours. And if in 
carrying out this desire, any who have 
acted a prominent part are emitted, 
we beg that they will not attribute it 
eit..er to design or disposition; for 
we say now, once for all, that we con- 
sider every one has acted well his 
part; and as for neglect, we have 
seen so much, heard so much, ate so 
much, went through so much, that it 
IE 0:""^' a wonder that our head and 
siiomach editorial has been able to re- 
tain the half that we have. 

i.s the citizens of Easton (to do them 
no mure than justice) always make a 
point of doing tuings well, when they 
undertake them, ^.aey commenced ope- 
rations early by appointing an able 
and efficient committee of arrange- 
ments, consisting of Capt. A. H. Reed- 
er, Capt. Samuel Yohe, Lieuts. G. W. 
Barnet, H. R. Winter, J. H. Wilking, 
R. W. Davis, J. J. Herster, John Max- 
well, D. W Butz, Abm. Miller, Abm. 
Mixsell, Lawrence 'iitus, T. R. Sit- 
greaves, E. J. Seip, H. Hammann, Jo- 
seph nerster, Charles Kitchen, H. S. 
Heckman, H. D. Maxwell, Gus. Dawes, 
jOhn Shouse and E. B. Mixsell. In 
their hands the affairs of the encamp- 
ment were sure not to suffer. And we 
are happy to say that everything was 
in fine order owing to the energy with 
which their duties had been prosecut- 
ed. The ground selected for the en- 
campment was an extensive elevation 
to the southward of the town, upon the 
farm of J. M. Porter, Esq. It com- 
prised two very large fields, one for 
the camp and another immediately ad- 
joining for a parade ground. The sit- 
uation was eminently beautiful, and 
commanded a view of some of the 
most delightful scenery of the valley 
of the Delaware. 

By Monday evening, August 29, ev- 
erything was in a complete state of 
readiness — tents pitched, lines of en- 
campment and parade marked out, 
suttler booths erected, and a compe- 
fc^nt civil guard appointed to take 
charge of the ground. 

Un the same evening the Doyles- 
town Grays, Capt. Pew arrived. Uni- 
form, gray coats and pantaloons, with 
black facings and stripes and black 
pompoons, numbering 40 in all. 

At 7 o'clock on Tuesday morning 



164 



the Philadelphia companies arrived. 
They were the Philadelphia Grays, 
(General Cadwalader's company) 
Lieutenant Hastings commandiijg, 60 
in number — uniform gray coats and 
pantaloons trimmed witn black and 
pompoons. Washington Blues, Capt. 
Patterson, 33 in number — uniform, 
blue coats and pantaloons, light blue 
facings and stripes, and pompoons. 
National Guards, Captain Tustin, 33 in 
number — uniform, deep blue coats 
with buff facings and light blue pan- 
taloons and pompoons. Merlon Grays 
Capt. Dougherty, 22 in number — gray 
uniform and Dlack pompoons. And the 
State Fencibles (Col. Page's company) 
Lieutenant Goldey, commanding, 47 in 
number — uniform, the same as Capt. 
Tustm's company. 

The city companies were attended 
by a magnificent band of music con- 
sisting of 27 musicians, in gray uni- 
forms. Ineir performance was truly 
delightful. The companies were es- 
corted to the camp ground by the Na- 
' tional Guard Capt. Yohe. and the 
Democratic Artillerists, Capt. Reeder. 
In the course of the morning 
the following other companies 
arrived. Leuigh Artillerists of Allen- 
town, Captain Moorehead. 43 in all. 
Blue uniforms, with scarlet facings 
and stripes, buff belts and scarlet 
plumes. 

Belvidere Infantry, of Belvidere, N. 
J., Captain Searles, 30 in number blue 
coats, with buff facings, white panta- 
loons and with plumes. Lambert- 
ville Cadets, of Lambertville, N. J., 44 
in number, gray uniform trimmed with 
black, and black plumes. Union troops 
of Bucks county. Captain Archam- 
bault, 38 in number, uniform, blue Huz- 
zar jacket, with silver skeletons, leath- 
er helmets witn bear and leopard 
skins, and white and red plumes. Jack- 
son Cavalry, of Northampton county. 
Captain J. Whitesell, 42 in all. Blue 
uniform trimmed with red, leather hel- 
mets, and white and red plumes. Wash- 
ington Guards, of Northampton county, 
Captain Saylor, 76 in number — blue 
uniform with scarlet facings an'd pom- 
poons. Washington Grays of Quaker- 
town, Bucks county. Captain Seidell, 
30 in number — gray uniform trimmed 
with yellow, and yellow pompoons. 

In addicion to the above strangers, 
the two Easton companies, the Na- 
tional Guards, Captain Yohe, 62 in all — 
unii-orm, deep blue coat and panta- 
loons, with buff facings and stripes, 
and white plumes, and the Democratic 
Artillerists, Captain Reeder, 64 in 
number — uniform, gray coats and pan- 



taloons, with black and red facings 
and stripes, and white and red plumes, 
formed part of the permanent force 
in camp. 

The encampment was organized by 
General George Cadwalader, comman- 
der of Camp Delaware, who made the 
following appointments: Aid, Major 
John Miles; Brigade Major, Major C. 
G. Childs, Brigade Quarter Master, 
Henry D. Maxwell, Esq. 

The first regiment consisted of the 
five Philadelphia companies, and was 
commanded by Col. James Page, assist- 
ed by Lieutenant Fox as adjutant. 
Col. Kenderton Smith, of Philadelphia, 
commanded the Second regiment, as- 
sisted by Lieutenant Col. Charles Sit- 
greaves. Major Shay, and Adjutant 
Henry R. Winter. The Second regi- 
ment consisted of the Doylestown 
Grays, Lehigh Artillerists, Belvidere 
Infantry, Lambertville Cadets, Wash- 
ington Guards, Washington Grays, Na- 
tional Guards, of Easton, and the Dem- 
ocratic Artillerists. 

The Union troop of Bucks county, 
and the Jackson cavalry of Northamp- 
ton county, formerly a battalion under 
the command of Major Archambauldt. 

The general routine of camp duty 
was at sunrise, reveille and morning 
gun — 6 o'clock morning drill — 7 o'clock 
breakfast — 9.30 o'clock guard mounted, 
and companies formed — 10 o'clock line 
formed — 1 o'clock dinner — 4 o'clock 
line formed — 6 o'clock evening parade 
— after evening parade evening gun — 
7 o'clock supper — 10 o'clock tatto and 
all lights in the tents. 

The ground now presented a truly 
animated appearance. The white 

tents, about 300 in number, laid out in 
the form of a village, with streets and 
alleys seen through the green foliage 
of the trees, amongst which they were 
pitched — the flag with the stars and 
stripes proudly floating in the morning 
breeze — the grave looking sentinels, 
with their bright muskets and nodding 
plumes, walking their rounds — and the 
echoing of the artillery among the 
distant hills, conveyed even to our 
peaceful minds a vivid picture of ac- 
tual warfare, with its glittering and 
seductive train of evils. To the south- 
ward rose the hills of Williams, capt 
with the forest trees,and the sides pre- 
senting alternate spots of barrenness 
and cultivation. To the north the eye 
took in a view of the borough, now 
transformed, to appearance, into a be- 
sieged city. Gay flags suspended 
across every street, and floating over 
the roofs of the various places of pub- 
lic entertainment. To the west the 



1G[ 



river Lehigh might be seen slowly 
wincing its way among the hills, 
whilst to the North the blue waters 
of the Delaware were seen floating in 
the sunbeams, as it pursued its glad- 
some course by cultivated field and 
barren mountain. 

When Life is Old, 

And many a scene lorgot, the heart 

will hold 
Its memory of this; nor lives there 

one 
Whose instant breath was drawn or 

boyhood's days 
Of happiness were passed beneath the 

sun, 
That in his manhood's prime can calm- 
ly gaze 
Upon that stream, or on that mountain 

strand. 
Nor feel the prouder of his native 

land. 
And now let us take a look at the 
out-tiders — What the good people call 
the devil's camp, where you get any- 
thing from a sugar plum up to the leg 
and wing of an ox. There you may see 
the trim looking country boys treating 
their sweethearts to the best the stalls 
afford. And well they deserve it, for 
they work hard, live honestly, and ask 
favors from no one. There too is the 
celebrated Otto Motto, the modern 
Hercules, who handles 32 pound can- 
non balls, as easily and gracefully as 
a lady handles a fan; and who stands 
upon two horses and rides them around 
a race course of a mile in two minutes 
and five seconds. There too are the 
flying horses with their living freight 
of fun and jollity. Then there were 
fiddles squeaking and the merry laugh 
ringing, and (success to the Washing- 
tonians) nearly all sober. During the 
continuance of the encampment, we 
had also several magnificent displays 
of fire works, under the management 
of Mr. Jackson from McAran's Garden, 
Philadelphia. Mr. Jackson, gave one 
exhibition on the camp ground, at the 
expense of General Cadwalader, (who 
was emulous to do everything in his 
power to entertain the troops) and 
two in the borough. All were eminent- 
ly successful, and elicited the warm- 
est praise and admiration of the 
numerous spectators who had the 
pleasure of beholding them. 

The discipline of the camp was very 
strict. The reveille beat at sunrise, 
when the soldiers turned out to morn- 
ing parade, then the morning gun was 
fired and the companies dismissed. At 
tj o'clock the evening parade was held. 
At the call the soldiers marched in 



companies to the parade ground where 
they were inspected and disciplined by 
the general and staff. The band oc- 
casioi^Uy playing some inspiring airs. 
The parade over the orders for the 
night were issued, the evening gun 
was fired and the troops dismissed for 
the evening, 
ihe glittering pageant's passed. 

But martial forms are seen 
With bounding steps and eagle glance, 

Careering o'er the green; 
And lovely woman by their side 

With her blushing cheek and her 

eye of pride. 

Thursday was the day of the grand 
review. The line was formed at 11 
o'clock on which occasion Governor 
Porter appeared in the field mounted 
on a white horse attended by Adjutant 
General Diller and his aids Major Hud- 
dy and Major Porter, Major General 
Blane, of the Hunterdon and Warren 
brigade, Brigadier General Davis, of 
Hunterdon county, with his aids, 
Major Reading, and Major Bonnell, , 
and Judge Advocate Reading, Major 
General Sheimer, of Northampton 
county, with his aides, Major W. Wil- 
son and Major Brown and Major Gen- 
eral Ihrie, of Northampton county, 
were also present. 

The governor was received upon the 
ground with the customary salute, af- 
ter which he reveiwed the line, and 
the line filed in review before him. 
The troops then went through a va- 
riety of evolutions with great precis- 
ion and military skill. The parade con- 
tinued until 1 o'clock when the men 
were dismissed. It is unnecessary 
for us to say that the general and his 
staff acquitted themselves to the satis- 
faction of every person present. In 
fact it was apparent to any experi- 
ienced eye that great improvement 
had been effected in the men even in 
the short time that they had been un- 
der the command of that efficient of- 
ficer. 

The number of spectators present on 
this occasion is variously estimated 
from 30,000 to 50,000 and we are hap- 
py to say that all went off highly grat- 
ified and that no accident occurred 
to mar the pleasure oi the day. 

On Friday the several companies 
made a march through the streets of 
1-1 ton which was highly complimen- 
tary as well as interesting to the citi- 
zens. And on Friday evening after the 
evening parade was over, General Cad- 
walader assembled the officers in front 
of the line and in a short appropriate 
and feeling address, dismissed the en- 



1G6 



rampment, leaving a guard to take 
charge of the tents, and transferring 
the command to Lieutenant Col. Sit- 
greaves. On Saturday morning the 
tents were an struck, storeu away and 
so ended the delightful episode of civ- 
il and military life at Camp Delaware. 
But it must not be supposed that the 
hospitable citizens of Easton allowed 
their guests to remain confined to 
camp fare. Quite contrary, as any one 
who takes the trouble to visit us will 
find out. A handsome supper was giv- 
en by Captain Reeder at his house on 
Wednesday evening, and Brigade Quar- 
ter Master Maxwell gave a splendid 
supper at his office in the square; the 
whole affair went off admirably — 
the wines were good, the provender 
unexceptionable, and wit and good 
feeling crowned the feast. On Thurs- 
day evening a supper was given by the 
committee of arrangements to the of- 
ficers at White's hotel. Everything 
was gotten up in the best style of tuat 
excellent house; and the company 
were entertained by some delightful 
singing by several amateurs who were 
present on the occasion. A great 
many good toasts were drunk and sev- 
eral good speeches delivered. 
In the meanwhile the band at intervals 
filled the air with delightful and in- 
spiring music. On Friday evening 
another splendid supper was given by 
Captain Yohe. All was mirth and good 
feeling, within, toasts were offered, 
speeches made and a charming song 
was sung by Howard — the band gave 
a sei'enade, and at last the hour of 
nine arrived which was the time 
of parting — farewells were ex- 
changed, and the officers huiTied off 
to their men who were already drawn 
up in the square by torch lights, the 
martial music struck up the "Girl I 
left Behind me" and the companies 
filed down to their boats and departed. 
Where there were so many to chal- 
lenge our applause, it might seem 
invidious should we single out any for 
particular notice. We must, however, 
be allowed to express the deep obliga- 
tions that we in common with other 
citizens, feel ourselves under to Gen- 
eral Cadwalader. To his strict disci- 
pline and watchful care, we may in 
a great measure attribute the orderly 
and quiet character of the encampment 
which he commanded. He has proved 
to us that if the character of a sol- 
dier and gentleman are combined in 
the person of the commander, that a 
military assemblage may be made to 
unite useful instruction and innocent 
amusement without running into riot, 



disorder and immorality. For the va- 
rious way which his kindness and 
courtesy contributed to the enjoyment 
of the citizens of Easton, in their 
name we thank him, and beg leave to 
assure him that he has commanded 
their respect as a soldier, and their 
best and kindest feelings as a citizen. 
We must, however, break through our 
rule to say one word about Brigade Ma- 
jor Childs. As a military man he 
has few equals among the volunteers 
of this country, and we believe that 
our soldiers will never forget the use- 
ful lessons that they have received at 
his hands. We should expect to be 
sent to Coventry by our military if we 
passed over their old friend. Colonel 
Page, without special notice. We 
therefore beg leave to assure him that 
he holds a high place in the affection 
of the volunteers of this place as one 
of their earliest and warmest friends. 
To the officers of the staff and field 
and company officers we have only to 
assure them that they meet with the 
entire approbation of their fellow sol- 
diers and the citizens generally. 

We have thus in our imperfect way 
endeavored to give a rude outline of 
this splendid affair. It is passed but 
its memoi-y will remain with us. 
They have passed like shadows by 

That faded in the morning beam. 
And the soldier forms, and tiie laugh- 
ing eye 

Are remembered like a dream. 
But memory's sun shall set in night 

Ere our souls shall forget those 
hours of light. 
September 7, 1842. 

The Easton Lyceum. 

On Friday evening last, (De- 
cember 2 1842,) J. Glancy 
Jones, Esq., opened the proposed win- 
ter series of lectures, by an introduc- 
tory. After he concluded the members 
of the Easton Lyceum met and adopted 
the following resolutions: 

1^'irst — That the name of this asso- 
ciation be "The Easton Lyceum." 

Second— That the Rev. J. P. Hecht, 
be the president for one year, and that 
Jacob Wagener, be secretary for the 
same period. 

Third— That Washington McCart- 
ney, Charles Sitgreaves, George W. 
Barnet, C. C. Field, Richard Brodhead, 
Peter S. Michler and Enos Tolan, in 
conjunction with the president and 
secretary be a committee, whose duty 
it shall be to procure the delivery of 
a lecture once a week during the pres- 
ent winter, and to make all the ne- 



167 



cessary arrangements for that pur- 
pose. 

Fourth — That C. C. Fields, Jacob 
Able and Peter S. Michler be a com- 
mittee to procure a suitable room, and 
to raise by voluntary subscription the 
necessary funds to pay the expenses 
of the association. 

Fifth— That the proceedings of this 
meeting be published. 

JOHN P. HECHT, President. 
Attest — Jacob Wagener, Secretary. 

The following gentlemen added their 
names to the list of members of this 
association, Daniel L. Green, Nathan 
Yager, Henry Griffiths, Charles King, 
A. Ihrie, James W. Stem, W. Cotting- 
ham, J. Johnson, G. W. Barnet and 
Josiah Davis. 

In the above notice appear the names 
of one who became a United States 
senator, two congressmen, two state 
legislators and others who became dis- 
tinguished in their walks of life. Only 
one of those named is living — your 
venerable and distinguished educator, 
Dr. Cottingham, 



Proceedings of Town Council. 

Condition of Easton's Fire Depart- 
ment. Friday evening, December 9 
1842. 

Council met— Present, Messrs. Shny- 
der, Sletijr, Wagner, Innes and Seip. 

The committee on "Fire Apparatus" 
through their chairman, D. D. Wagner, 
made the following report, viz: 

The standing committee appointed 
by town council upon "Fire Engines, 
Hose, and other Fire Apparatus" beg 
leave t'^ present the following report: 

That considering the sound state of 
the fire apparatus of the borough, as 
a matter of importance to the welfare 
and propriety of its citizens, they have 
made strict examination of engines, 
hose, etc., of the different companies, 
and are happy to state that they, one 
and all, give evidence of a commend- 
able zeal and attention on the part of 
their several members- 

The engine of the Humane Fire 
company, is in good condition with 
the exception of the axle, which your 
committee have ordered to be repaired 
the expense but trifling. It has attach- 
ed to it six hundred feet of hose in ex- 
cellent order. 

The Northampton Suction Engine 
appears to be in good order and has 
attached to it two hundred feet of 
hose apparently in a sound state. It 
may not be thought inappropriate to 
state this company intend to dissolve. 
If so the members of the Humane 



company will apply for its engine and 
hose. They could not be placed in 
bettei hands. 

The engine and hose of the Neptune 
are now in good condition. The hose 
though for some time neglected, has 
been recently well dubbed. Attached 
to this company, is six hundred and 
fifty feet of hose. 

The Phoenix fire and hose company, 
appears to be in good condition. It 
has attached to it six hundred and fif- 
ty reet of hose, fit for actual and im- 
mediate use, and about two hundred 
feet of old hose which might be used 
in (-ases of emergency. 

The Washington Suction Fire en- 
gine is in good order, and has two 
hundred feet of hose. 

The Niagara engine is not in use 
and we would recommend it to be 
sold. It is proper here, also to state 
that G. W. -.arnet, Esq., has in his pos- 
session and use, five sections of old 
hose, in tolerable order being about 
two hundred and fifty feet in all. He 
respectfully desires the same until 
spring, agrees to keep it in good order 
and whenever needed by the borough 
shall be ready for its use. 

Recapitulation, 

The -lumane Fire company has 650 
feet of new hose. 

The Northampton Suction company 
has 200 feet of new hose. 

Neptune company, 650 feet of new 
hose. 

Phoenix company 650 feet of new 
hose. 

Phoenix company, 200 feet of old 
hose. 

Washington Suction company, 200 
feet of old hose. 

G. W. Barnet, 250 feet of old hose. 

Total, 2350 feet new and 450 feet of 
old hose, together, 2800 feet of hose. 

Thus it appears that the borough has 
2800 feet of hose, 2350 feet of which 
is in first rate order and 450 feet old 
in tolerable condition and in emer- 
gency might be used. 

In view of these facts, it is the opin- 
ion of your committee that the bor- 
ough has a sufficiency of Hose and 
fire apparatus, and the only require- 
ment is now to preserve it. 

Your committee would suggest that 
to defray the ordinary and incidental 
expenses of the fire department, and 
for its more efficient organization, ap- 
plication be made for aid to the fire 
insurance company. Every building 
insured by this company enjoys the 
benefit of the engines of the borough, 
and surely appropriation of mcney by 



168 



the company, to preserve them in good 
order, is no more than common justice. 
The borough as may be perceived by 
this report has expended large sums 
for an efficient organization of the fire 
department, now equal to any in the 
state. No illiberal economy has stinted 
our efforts. Let the insurance com- 
pany also contrioute its share, because 
to it must come a great portion of the 
benefit. 

In conclusion your committee would 
recommend the adoption of the fol- 
lowing resolution. 

Resolved, That no expenses beyond 
ordinary, shall be made upon the fire 
apparatus, without advice and con- 
sent of council, and whenever any or- 
amary expenditure is required the 
company or companies that may re- 
quire it, shall apply to the committee 
on fire apparatus consisting of D. D. 
Wagner, S. Chapin and T. Sletor. 

Which report was read and adopted. 

The petition of the Humane Fire 
company asking permission to unite 
the .Northampton Fire company and 
their apparatus with theirs, was read 
and accepted. 

Resolved that the committee on fire 
apparatus be directed to procure the 
extra pipe belonging to the Niagara, 
and hand the same over to the Wash- 
ton. 

Resolved, That orders be drawn on 
the treasurer, in favor of the following 
persons, for engine expenses, viz: 

Samuel Ludwig $1.37 

A. R. K. Wagner 3.50 

Herman Shnyder 1.75 

A. Grotz and others 4.00 

William Arnold 3.00 

Adjourned. 

C. KITCHEN, Town Clerk. 
December 28, 1842. 



Miscellaneous local news in the closing 

years of Easton's first century. 

1843. 

In addition to the instruction given 

in the public schools of Easton private 

or select schools have always fiour- 

ished — in quantity greater when the 

public school system was new, than 

now. The following announcements 

will recall to some several well known 

teachers of the long ago: 

Easton Female Seminary. 
The spring quarter of this institu- 
tion will commence on Monday May 
1. 

Terms: 

For instruction in any or a- the 
English branches, per quarter, 
pupils more than ten years of 



age $5 80 

Pupils less than ten years of 

age $4 00 

The Latin and French languages, 
drawing and fancy needle work, are 
taught at extra prices. 

Young ladies are received as board- 
ers — $30 per quarter, payable in ad- 
vance. 

For further particulars apply to the 
principal or the trustees. 
Easton, April 19, 1843. 



Horn & Kirkpatrick. 

Will recommence their school on 
Monday, the 1st of May next. (1843.) 



The Boarding and Day School for 
Boys. 

Will commence its September session 
on Monday, the 1st of May — vacancies 
may then be expected. 

JOHN VANDERVEER. 
Easton, April 19, 1843. 



Soldier of the Revolution. 

On Sunday last, May 27, 1843, our 
volunteer companies repaired to New 
Jersey to attend the funeral of the 
late Capt. Jacob Young, who died at 
his residence in Greenwich township 
on Friday preceding. The deceased 
was a highly esteemed citizen and in 
his younger days entered the revolu- 
tionary army, and aided in the glor- 
ious cause which established our in- 
dependence. He attained the advanced 
age of eighty-seven years. His re- 
mains were deposited at the Straw 
church, on which occasion an unusual- 
ly large concourse were In attendance. 



Encampment of the United Troops. 

Information having been received 
that a detachment of troops belonging 
to the United States army would move 
within a few weeks from their camp 
in the East, southward, and that if suit- 
able camp ground, etc., could be fur- 
nished at this place they would be 
quartered here by the government dur- 
ing the warm wpother. In order to as- 
certain I he wishes of our citizens on 
this subject, a ir;eeting was convened 
at the boufe of D. Conner, on Monday 
evening, 2(jth ms-t. On motion Col. 
D. W. Butz was called to the chair, 
and J. Glancey Jones, Christian Flem- 
ing and Captain H. Yard, vice presi- 
dent, and Lieutenant Winters and E. 
F. Probst, secretaries: 

On motion. Resolved, that a commit- 
tee, of twelve, three for each block 
in the borough, be appointed, to solicit 
funds to defray any expenses that may 



169 



arise in bringing said troops from their 
direct line of march to this place. 

Whereupon the chairman appointed 
the following gentlemen said commit- 
tee: 

Block No. 1— Philip Mixsell, Jr., Jo- 
seph Herster, H. S. Heckman. 

Block No. 2 — John Eyerman, Samuel 
K. Hoagland, Jonathan Kolb. 

Block No. 3 — George Able, Henry R. 
Winter, John P. Heckman. 

Block No. 4 — John Marbacher, Ed- 
win Kennedy, William J. Browne. 

Adjf^urned to meet on Wednesday 
evenrng next. 
June 28. 1843. 



Another Humbug. 

Shortly after his honor, James M. 
Porter, was appointed to the import- 
ant post which he now holds in the 
cabinet at Washington, it was current- 
ly reported that he intended to pa- 
tronize Lafayette college in a munifi- 
cent manner by sending here a dozen 
or twenty young Kickapoo or Choctaw 
Indians, to be educated in the arts 
and sciences. The first of June was 
i^e time fixed upon for their arrival, 
but as the period has -ong since pass- 
ed, it is more than probable that we 
will not be disturbed by any new and 
strange "warwhoops," and that Lafay- 
ette will be minus her compliment of 
savages. As in the case of the United 
States troops, this Indian story was 
no doubt a humbug from the beginning 
got up for the purpose of tickling the 
ears of the gullable and sounding the 
praises of the secretary of war's liber- 
ality and public spirit. Why, a few 
more such benefactors will cause our 
goodly borough of Baston to nourish 
like a "green bay tree or a bee-hive in 
buckwheat time." We do wonder what 
we will do to get along when he passes 
away? 

P. S. — A friend has informed us that 
ii, takes about three months to catch 
such a batch of young Indians as we 
were to have been favored with. Per- 
haps our allotment therefore has not 
yet been "trapped" and they may yet 
be on as soon as they can be "run 
down." Will some person in the sec- 
retary's confidence give the public 
light upon this subject? 
July 19, 1843. 

George Taylor, a Signer of the Decla- 
ration of Independence. 
The effort to erect a monument at 
Easton to the memory of George Tay- 
lor, a signer of the Declaration of In- 
dependence, who lived and died in the 



house still standing at Fourth and 
Ferry streets, and which the city of 
Easton should purchase and preserve 
for all time, was oft repeated, after 
being first suggested by a stranger in 
a communication to the Centinel in 
1832. Its actual accomplishment near- 
ly a quarter of a century later, was 
mainly through citizens of Philadel- 
phia who gave one thousand dollars 
for the purpose — the citizens of Easton 
contributing the remainder. 



Monumental Notice. 
A public meeting will be held at the 
court house, in Easton, on Ttiesday 
evening, 21st instant at the ringmg 
of the bell, to take into consideration 
the propriety of erecting a monument 
to the memory of George Taylor, one 
of the signers of the Declaration of 
Independence of these United States. 
An address will be delivered upon the 
occasion. 

MANY PATRIOTS. 
November 8, 1843. 



Monument to Taylor. 
By a notice in this paper it will be 
seen that another patriotic movement 
is to be made by our citizens for the 
erection of a suitable monument to the 
memory of one of that noble band of 
patriots who affixed their signatures 
to the charter of our rights, and pledg- 
ed their "lives, fortunes and honors" 
to sustain it. George Taylor resided 
in this place and held a commission 
under the Crown; but when tne spirit 
of resistance to foreign abuses was 
aroused, he was amongst the first to 
side with the revolutionists, and dur- 
ing the war served wuh nis country 
PS a civil officer. He died in this place 
and is buried at the Lutheran church. 



Taylor Monument, 

The meeting last week to adopt some 
preparatory measures for the erection 
of a suitable iponument in our borough 
to the memory of George Taylor, one 
of the signers of the Declaration of In- 
dependence, was well attended, and a 
commendable spirit pervaded the 
whole assembly. The necessary com- 
mittee was appointed and other ar- 
rangements adopted to carry out the 
enterprise, as will be seen by refer- 
ence to ^_e proceedings in another col- 
umn. 
November 29, 1843. 

Monumental Meeting. 

At a large and enthusiatic meeting 
of the citizens of Northampton ■county. 



170 



convened at the court house, on Tues- 
day evening, the 21st instant, (Novem- 
ber, 1843,) James Kennedy, Esq., was 
appointed president; Col, Abraham 
Miller, Jacob Wolle, Esq., Joseph 
Dawes, Jacob Dietrich, James T. Bor- 
heck, vice presidents; Charles E. Wey- 
gandt, J. Glancy Jones, Benjamin Ihrie, 
Charles Green, seci'etaries. 

On motion a committee of five con- 
sisting of Henry D. Maxwell, Esq., 
Charles Tumbler, Peter Nungesser, 
John Shouse, Esq., and Edward L. 
Wolf, were appointed to draft resolu- 
tions expressive of the sense of the 
meeting, who reported the following, 
which were unanimously adopted: 

Whereas, It is becoming in a people 
to manifest in every manner, their 
gratitude for distinguisned services 
and appreciation of departed worth, by 
.—e erection of monuments to the mem- 
ory of meritorious individuals, that 
tnus may not only be shown their es- 
teem for the man, but that those who 
survive and follow him may have his 
acts in constant recollection as an in- 
centive to like good deeds. 

Resolved, That it is a duty as well 
as it is a pleasure, for the citizens of 
our free and happy republic to cherish 
in affectionate and grateful remem- 
brance tliat gallant and patriotic band 
of representatives, who true to liberty 
and the rights of man, assumed the 
responsibility of declaring tnat the op- 
P'^GSsions and injuries heaped upon 
American colonies, had caused a for- 
feiture of all further right of govern- 
ment by Great Britain, anl that they 
were in consequence a free and sover- 
eign people. 

Resolved, That we will not suffer 
ourselves to remain longer under the 
imputation of a want of appreciation 
of the character and services of George 
Taylor, one of those glorious signers 
of the Declaration of American Inde- 
pendence, whose remains res-t in our 
midst. Of strong mind and honest 
purpose, he suited well the exigencies 
of the eventful period he lived in, and 
we regret that his resting place should 
have been so long left without a proper 
monument to mark the spot. 

Resolved. That James R. Innes, Chas. 
E. Weygandt, Jacob Wolle, A. Miller 
and Charles Green, be a committee to 
solicit subscription for i.ae erection of 
a monument to his memory.. 

Resolved, That James Sinton, be the 

treasurer of the funds rec'^ived for this 

purpose, to whom all monies received 

shall be paid over. 

Resolved, That A. E. Brown, H. Hep- 



burn, Anthony McCoy ,George W. Bar- 
net and Thomas McKeen, be an execu- 
tive committee, who shall have a gen- 
eral supervision in relation to the 
erection of said monument, with power 
to call such other meetings as they 
shall deem proper. 

Resolved, That the executive com- 
ittee have power to appoint auxiliary 
committees, in the different townships 
of the county of Northampton, to so- 
licit aid in furtherance of the contem- 
plated object. 

During the absence of the committee 
the meeting was eloquently addressed 
by A. E. Brown and J. Glancy Jones, 
Esqs. 

On motion, Resolved, That the pro- 
ceedings be signed by the officers and 
published in the papers of the bor- 
ough. 

It was not until 1855 that a monu- 
ment was erected to Taylor and on No- 
vembed 20, of that year, it was for- 
mally dedicated in the presence of the 
militia and a large concourse of citi- 
zens when one of Northampton's 
greatest orators and lawyers — the 
Honorable Alexander E. Brown — de- 
livered the following address: 

Fellow Citizens: — We have assem- 
bled this day in a spot consecrated to 
silence and to sorrow. Around us are 
the monuments raised by living affec- 
tion to departed worth. Again and 
again has the living tide rolled toward 
this spot, bearing with them the ex- 
tinguished light of the household 
hearth, and returning, has left behind 
it, another tenant for this, their "city 
of the dead." 

But upon this occasion, no mourn- 
ers are congregated about the tomb — 
no bitter wailing swells upon the 
breeze — but amidst the display of mil- 
itary pomp — amidst a throng of happy 
and approving citizens, with minds ele- 
vated and ennobled, with hearts filled 
with gratitude and honest pride, we 
dedicate this monument to one who 
stood beside the cradle of our common 
country. We dedicate this monument 
to one of that immortal band, who, 
when the night was dark, and the 
storm was loud, swelled the loud paean 
note of liberty, independence and the 
rights of man. We dedicate this mon- 
ument to one of those nien, who when 
the earth rocked beneath their feet, 
laid the chief corner stone of our 
glorious temple of civil and religious 
liberty. We dedicate this monument to 
one who came to our land a poor and 
friendless stranger, with, we might al- 
most say, shackles upon his own limbs; 



171 



but who, by his courage, his energy, 
and his burning love of liberty, has 
so entwined himself with the destinies 
of this mighty republic — has so in- 
scribed himself upon her annals, that 
his name will shine with still increas- 
ing lustre, whilst liberty with eagle 
eye perches upon the summit of our 
mountains, or treads our plains with 
step unchecked and fearless. 

Spread, proud and beloved repub- 
lic, thy 'giant arms from ocean to 
ocean! Roll thy myriads of hardy im- 
emigrants through the smiling west! 
Plant stately cities on soil untrodded 
by the white man of 76! They,your wil- 
ling messengers, bear but farther and 
deeper into the bosom of our land the 
name of that undying band, who wis- 
dom and valor gave form and sub- 
stance to that majestic work, which 
they are now completing. Yes, they 
bear them onward in their march — 
and in the hut of the miner and the 
cabin of the settler, and the home- 
stead of the farmer, those names are 
as household words. 

The Declaration of Independence 
not only gave form and shape to the 
American Revolution — not only in its 
name was victory achieved by our ar- 
mies in the field, — but when the frame 
work of our government was to be es- 
tablished, its principles were incor- 
porated into our constitution, it aided 
in cementing the union of the states, 
and thus in erecting a republic which 
is the wonder and admiration of the 
world. Each citizen reveres the Decla- 
ration of Independence, as the first 
great charter of his rights; and when 
a new state comes willingly into the 
Union, she bears with her the Decla- 
ration of Independence, and the 
American Constitution one and indi- 
visible, and claims them as her 
birth-right. Upon that instrument the 
name of George Taylor of Northamp- 
ton county, once a poor redemptioner, 
and then an honored member of the 
Contiental Congress, is inscribed; 
and to him, in commemoration of that 
event — as a token of public gratitude, 
and to preserve to future generations 
the memory that he was our represen- 
tative upon that occasion, we dedicate 
this monument. "We dedicate it in the 
name of Liberty and the equal rights 
of man; for he whose name it bears 
was once in a station more humble, 
than that of any man in this assembly 
— and yet by the blessing of free insti- 
tutions, by his devotion to freedom, 
and his noble daring, he fills a proud 
niche in the Temple of Fame. We 



dedicate it, in the spirit of American 
Freedom, to one who was among the 
first to pledge "life, fortune and sacred 
honor" in the cause of Liberty. 

There let ic stand with sunbeams 
playing around it — bright memorial of 
the past — and when, with mournful 
tread, the household assembles around 
the grave where private worth enjoys 
its sweet repose, let them raise their 
tearful eyes to this monument, and 
give one thought to the once home- 
less and friendless stranger, whose 
fame suall live and still increase with 
the growing glories of his adopted 
country — 

No night-shade spread its death-like 

pall, 
No gloomy cypress wave its head, 
But let the glorious sunbeams fall 
Where rest Columbia's dead. 

Columbia's eagle, vigils keep! 
Columbia's banner o'er him wave! 
Nought to disturb his peaceful sleep, 
For Freemen guard his hallowed grave. 

We come not to mourn for the de- 
parted. Seventy-four years have rolled 
into the ocean of eternity, since his 
friends and fellow patriots laid in the 
narrow grave, all that was mortal of 
George Taylor. Then was the hour 
of grief, for the sundering of earthly 
ties — then the stern men who had par- 
taken of his toils, paid witn heavy 
hearts, their last tribute to their an- 
cient companion. But now the grave- 
yard holds them all — their grief is long 
since subdued — their voices are long 
since silent. It is for another gener- 
ation to raise this monument — not to 
his perishable body, but to his immor- 
tal fame. 

George Taylor was born in Ireland 
in the year 1716, and was the son of 
a respectable clergyman. His father 
bestowed upon him the benefits of ed- 
ucation, and intended him for the med- 
ical profession. He was quick, active 
and intelligent. The profession se- 
lected for him, not being however 
suited to his taste, he determined to 
embark on board of a vessel bound for 
Philadelphia, as a redemptioner. On 
his arrival here, he bound himself for 
a term of years to a gentleman by 
iiie name of Savage, who was one of 
the proprietors of the Durham furnace. 
He was then set to work as a common 
laborer, to wheel the coal and lime- 
stone to the furnace, and fill it. It 
being discovered by the blisters on his 
hands, that he was unaccustomed to 
labor, his employer took compassion 



172 



upon him, and finding that he was an 
educated man, gave him the situation 
of clerk of the establishment. In 
this position, he made himself emi- 
nently useful, and after the death of 
Mr. Savage, he married his widow, 
and became lessee of the furnace. He 
acquired a fortune. It was at this 
place that he was afterwards able to 
aid the Revolutionary movement, by 
supplying the army of Congress with a 
large amount of cannon ball. He 
was however a considerable sufferer by 
the confiscation of the Durham es- 
tate, on account of the treason of the 
proprietor against the cause of the 
people. 

Here a reflection presses itself upon 
the mind. What think you, my youth- 
ful hearers, would have been the fate 
of George Taylor, had he, upon his ar- 
rival, been ignorant and uneducated? 
The poor blistered hands would have 
been hardened to their work, days of 
labor would have been succeeded by 
nights of dreamless sleep — he 
would have died in obscurity, and none 
at this day, would care to inquire or 
know when or where the patient and 
drudging son of toil, laid down his 
burden of life. 

Little did that good old lather anti- 
cipate that the education which he 
had bestowed upon his son, to fit him 
for an honorable profession, was to 
lead that son to far higher honors; 
that it was to enable him to assist in 
moulding destinies far higher than 
those of the empire. Little did he an- 
ticipate that when he and his flock 
were sleeping side by side in the kirk- 
yard, forgotten in the land of his birth, 
the hearts of a mighty nation should 
be filled at the mention of his name — 
and should say — as we do this day — 
Honor to the memory of the good old 
man, who awoke the soul of his son 
to a sense of the divinity that was 
within it — who gave him education, 
though he could not give him wealth, 
and through whose instrumentality, 
that son rose to become one of the 
bright galaxy of American worthies. 

Plant the seeds of knowledge in the 
youthful mind — arouse the immeas- 
urable power of the youthful intellect 
— fix the youthful eye upon that heav- 
en fi'om which the divine emanation 
has descended upon him. Then cal- 
culate if you can, to what regions of 
the upper day that Eaglet may wing 
its way — on what heaven-born suns 
it may fix his unshrinking gaze — on 
wha-", summits above the clouds it may 
ceek its rest, with earth and ocean far 
beneath its feet. 



To 3 little has been thought and 
said about the influence of the educat- 
ea men of 1776, upon the destinies of 
our country. But they had their ap- 
propriate place, and they filled it nob- 
ly; their hand writing may be seen 
upon every monument, of our liberties 
and our rights. Time does not permit 
its discussion here, but it is respect- 
fully submitted for the consideration of 
all. It will be found worthy of atten- 
tion. 

The precise time of the arrival of 
George Taylor in this vicinity is not 
fixed; but there is evidence in the 
hands of one of our citizens, a diligent 
and industrious collector of Auto- 
graphs, that it was previously to the 
year 1740. It may be proper nere to 
observe, that many interesting facts 
relative to George Taylor, have been 
brought to light by the diligent re- 
searches of Matthew S.Henry, amongst 
.^e records of the county, and embod- 
iea by him in his History of North- 
ampton. 

The earliest record of him in Eas- 
ton, is in 1763. At that time he ap- 
pears to have been employed as agent 
of the trustees in the erection of the 
present court house, in tne public 
square, in Easton. About tue same 
time he was appointed one of the jus- 
tices of the county, and in that char- 
acter, presided in court. From 1764 to 
1770, he was the representative of 
Northampton county in the assembly. 
During all this period his votes were 
uniformly recorded against the unequal 
taxation of the colonies, and in fa- 
vor of the citizens of the colonies en- 
joying equal rights, and equal protec- 
tion with those of the mother country. 
He also served on the committee of 
aggrievances, at that time one of the 
most important and useful commit- 
tees of the House. At a later period 
of time, it became still more import- 
ant. He took part also in the discus- 
sion of alterations in the charter of 
Pennsylvania, and the reformation of 
the proprietory government, into which 
many serious abuses had crept. In 
1765, he served upon the committee to 
draft instructions to the delegates se- 
lected by Pennsylvania to attend at 
a general congress from the different 
states, to meet at New York. We find 
him acting as a member of the most im- 
portant committees of the House; on 
the judiciary, on taxes, on the rights 
of the House, on public laws, on rais- 
ing money, on loans, and also on a com- 
mittee to prepare a system for the 
improvement of navigation on the 
great rivers of the province. In 1768 



173 



he exerted himself to bring to jus- 
tice the perpetrators of several hor- 
rid massacres of the savages on the 
frontier, and as one of the commit- 
tee, assisted in drawing an address to 
the governor, calling his attention to 
this subject, and urging him to prompt 
action in the suppression of further 
outrages. 

On the 18th day of June, 1774 a 
mass meeting was held in Philadel- 
phia, at which eight thousand peo- 
ple attended, for the purpose of ex- 
pressing their sympathy with the citi- 
zens of Boston upon the treatment 
they had received at the hands of 
Great Britain — on account of their 
resistance to her oppressive measures, 
and to raise funds for their relief. 
This meeting recommended the call of 
a Continental Congress, and appoint- 
ed a committee to correspond with 
their sister counties, and the other 
colonies, as to the appointment of 
aeiegates to attend it. Upon this re- 
commendation, a meeting of the jus- 
tices, the gentlemen of the bar, grand 
jury, and principal inhabitants of the 
county, was held at Easton, on the 21st 
of June 1774, to take measures to car- 
ry out the plan proposed in Philadel- 
phia. This was the first revolutionary 
movement in Northampton county. 
George Taylor was chairman of that 
meeting. He was also appointed as 
one of the committee of correspon- 
dence. 

Mark these dates — on the 18th, the ap- 
peal is made in Philadelphia, and on 
the 21st old Northampton responds, not 
in words only, but in action of the 
most decided character. She was 
then fairly embarked in the cause of 
the Revolution. The step thus boldly 
taken by him, was followed up. Old 
Northampton sent her sons to the bat- 
tle field to conquer or to die. The 
ancestors of many now in this assem- 
bly, marched to the relief of General 
Washington, then near New York — 
some of them to suffer wounds and 
death in battle, some of them to lay 
down their lives amidst the pestilen- 
tial vapors of the prisonships; and 
others, more fortunate, to return to 
their homes, after having answered the 
call of their country, and nobly dis- 
charged the duty of patriots. 

There existed an unfortunate differ- 
ence of opinion amongst the Pennsyl- 
vania delegation to Congress, as to 
the propriety of finally separating the 
colonies from the mother country, and 
as the expressed wishes of the people, 
and the instructions of the Assembly, 



were insufficient to overcome the scru- 
ples of the dissentients. i'he conven- 
tion of the Province of Pennsylvania 
added to John Morton,Benjamin Frank- 
lin, Robert Morris and James Wilson, 
who were re-elected, George Taylor, 
George Ross, George Clymer, Benja- 
min Rush and James omith, in the 
place of those who had declined to 
represent the wishes of the people. 
This election took place on the 23rd day 
of July, 1776. On the 2d of August 
following George Taylor took his seat, 
and on the same day, he, with the 
others, signed the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence. The Declaration of Inde- 
pendence was adopted by the vote of 
the House on the 4ta day of July, 1776, 
but was not engrossed upon parch- 
ment, ready for signature until the 
2nd day of August, at which time the 
signatures of all the mem- 
bers were subscribed to it. George Tay- 
lor continued a member of Congress 
till 1777, at which time he retired 
from public life. He was, however, 
employed in negotiations with the In- 
dians, and formed a treaty with them 
at Easton. 

He had suffered heavy losses, pecuni- 
arily, by his attention to public affairs 
— his children died young, and before 
their parent — sorrow fell tnick upon 
him, and on the 2otu of February, 1781, 
he too closed his active and useful ex- 
istence. He died poor; and the inven- 
tory of his estate shows that his home 
was but slenderly provided with com- 
forts. His house, a rough stone build- 
ing at the corner of Hamilton and 
l^erry streets, where he spent the lat- 
ter years of his life, and where he 
died, is still standing in our borough. 

Sanderson in his biography of the 
signers of the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence, speaking of George Taylor 
says: "He is of course almost forgot- 
ten, even in the county where he used 
to reside — but the old men of the neigh" 
borhood who recollect him when asked 
about his character reply, 'he was a 
fine man and a furious Whig.' This is 
so. The present generation know but 
little of George Taylor, except what 
the records of the county show. We 
can trace him there, and always in 
some useful and honorable employ- 
ment. The personal history of the 
man and his private habits of life are 
lost to us. That he was a devoted 
friend of Liberty, the brief character 
given him by his old companions, as 
well as the prominent part he took in 
the struggle of Independence, suffic- 
iently prove, tnat he was a man of 



174 



standing, and a reliable man, is proved 
by his taking his place at the head 
of the first movement that was made 
in this countj% in favor of Independ- 
ence. That he was a man of courage 
and known patriotic principles is es- 
tablished by the fact that he was se- 
lected to fill the place in Congress, of 
one of those representatives who 
shrank from responsibility, and doubt- 
ed, where Taylor and his colleagues be- 
lieved, and were steadfast, in their be- 
lief. This is all we know of him. They 
send to us from Europe for his auto- 
graph, and preserve it as a treasure — 
and yet twenty-four years ago, no man 
in our county, could point out the place 
where he was buried. All of him had 
passed away, except his public acts, 
and his services to his country — those 
faithful history has recorded — Alas! 
too true, in too many instances! — The 
plougshare truns up the rich mould of 
the ancient battle field, and the plough- 
man whistles on his way without one 
thought to those who there laid down 
their lives, to give him and Ms a 
title to the soil. The old soldier has 
looked on fields once moistened by his 
blo"id — now waving with the rich lux- 
uriance of a harvest, in which he had 
no share. The proud mansion over- 
flows with luxury and wealth — whilst 
the children of the hardy pioneer who 
subdued the forest where it stands, 
beg for bread at its gates. Family af- 
fection rears its stately monument to 
private worth, beside the grass grown 
grave of the patriot who lies, forgotten 
by his country. Such is too often the 
reward given to public benefactors. 

For this, as far as can be ascertained 
is the first public monument, raised 
in these United States to any signer 
of the Declaration of Independence, 
lou have selected for it, a site of sur- 
passing beauty, and the sculptor's skill 
has displayed itself upon a work of 
chaste and classic elegance. This 
spot may become a wilderness — this 
monument may crumble and decay — 
but the name of George Taylor will 
descend to the latest posterity, accom- 
panied by the name of that people 
who were the first to do honor to his 
memory. 

You, citizens of Northampton coun- 
ty, have chosen the wiser, the nobler 
part— you have set an example to other 
counties, and to other states, which, 
we may trust, will be extensively fol- 
lowed. 

Kind friends, from other states, who 
have honored us with your presence, 
think not that in the fulness of our 



hearts, we wish to forget that you too 
have high and lofty names, which we 
most willingly united with you to hon- 
or. We know it well — and shall rejoice 
to hear, that throughout the old thir- 
teen, there have been gatherings of the 
rcoiilc engaged in this good work, till 
not one of that glorious band of 76 
shall be without an appropriate testi- 
monial of his country's gratitude. Time 
has tested the greatness and excel- 
lence of their work, and now it be- 
hooves us, to do justice, not to them, 
but to ourselves — the present genera- 
tion. The old Thirteen States have 
long since taken their honored place 
in the scale of nations. New stripes 
have been added to our national flag, 
but ever and anon on the Western ho- 
rizon, a new star rises bright and 
beautiful on the sight, and holds its 
even way in harmony with those of old- 
er birth, and all revolve as upon a 
common center around the American 
Constitution and the Declaration of In- 
dependence. 

Some of the older citizens of Easton 
may remember John Douglass Bemo, 
a Seminole Indian, whose name in that 
language was "Husti-Coluc-Chee," who 
attended Lafayette coiiege as a stu- 
den in the early 40's. In the "Whig 
and Journal," of Aug. 16, 1843, and 
Dec. 20, 1843, he gave a very interest- 
ing account of himself, telling how he 
was called from the i.i.e of a savage 
by the High Spirit, as he termed it, 
to become a teacher of Christianity. 
Bemo, after returning to his people 
became a missionary among them, and 
in after years made several trips on 
lecturing tours through the North and 
visited the college. I remember an 
old lady living in Easton some thirty 
years ago who had in her possession 
a daguerreotype of Bemo, a copy of 
which would no doubt be interesting 
to the college archivist, if there is 
such a functionary. 



Temperance. 

A sermon on temperance will be de- 
livered by Rev. John Gray on next 
Sabbath afternoon, September 10, 1843, 
at 4 o'clock in the orchard near the 
Phillipsburg school house, N. J. Seats 
will be provided for the ladies. No 
toll will be charged at the bridge. 
Raise the Temperance banner high 
Drink cold water till you die. 
Pure from the rock, pure from the sod 
The free and generous gift of God. 



175 



A Temperance Meeting. 

Will be held at the Phillipsburg 
school house, New Jersey, on Thursday 
evening at 7 o'clock. Addresses will 
be delivered by Charles Jones, of the 
city of London, the reformed sailor, 
and -by William B. 'Poland, of Easton. 
The public are respectfully invited to 
attend. No toll will be charged at the 
bridge. By order of the 

PRESIDENT. 

The Charles Jones (Rev. Charles 
JohnJones,D.D.) aoove referred to was 
then a student at Lafayette college. 
He graduated in 1846, became a dis- 
tinguished Presbyterian minister, and 
for many years a missionary among 
seamen and laterly chaplain of theSai- 
lors' Snug Harbor on Staten Island. 
He was the author of a work "From 
the Forecastle to the Pulpit." 

List of Delaware Greys. 
At a meeting of the Delaware Greys, 
held at their Armory, October 27, 1843, 
the following resolutions were unani- 
mously adopted, and ordered to be 
published in the different papers in 
the borough. 

Whereas, We find in the Easton 
Sentinel of yesterday an article com- 
mendatory of the cor- s, and at the 
same thime containing an imputation 
upon the skill and military knowledge 
of our commander, which is false 
and unwarranted, as it is offensii^e to 
the corps. 

Therefore, Resolved, That the said 
imputation is utterly unfounded, and 
must have had its origin in personal 
or political rancor and for that reason 
is rendered more mean and pitiful, and 
merits, as it receives, the condemna- 
tion of every member of the corps. 

Resolved. That the contemptible at- 
tempt to reconcile us to this thrust at 
our captain, by covering it with praise 
of ourselves shows that the writer can- 
not estimate the motives that operate 
upon honorable men. Praise to all men 
is sweet — praise of their discipline, to 
volunteers, is we believe, peculiarly so, 
but we spurn with indignation and 
scorn any praise which is to be had at 
the expense of a commander whose 
efficiency, energy and military skill has 
made the corps what it is — who is 
known to be possessed, in a high de- 
gree, of the qualifications of an officer, 
and who by his soldierly skill and kind 
and gentlemanly deportment won the 
esteem and friendship of the men un- 
der his command. 

Resolved, That we deem this express- 
ion of our opinion necessary not for 

176 



the purpose of vindicating Captain 
Reeder's well known reputation as an 
officer, from the self-important criti- 
cism of a person who has shown that 
he has not sufficient military know- 
ledge to qualify him for a place in the 
rank of any corps, but for the purpose 
of showing that a blow at our com- 
mander, as such, is a blow at us, and 
that we reject the base and abject 
idea that by slavering us over with 
praise we could bo meanly bought to 
connive at falsehood and injustice to 
our officers. 

Resolved, That for the purpose of 
showing the unanimity of the senti- 
ments contained in the foregoing re- 
solutions, and the full, entire and un- 
restrained confidence reposed by the 
whole corps in their commander as 
well as the other officers, we will in- 
dividually affix our signatures hereto 
for publication in the different papers 
of the borough. 

JOHN MAXWELL, Chairman. 
Owen W. Hess, Secretary. 

John Maxwell, first lieutenant; Mah- 
lon Taylor, second lieutenant; S. K. 
ixoagland, quartermaster; John J. 
Horn, ensign; M. Horn, first sergeant; 
Owen W. Hess, second sergeant; Sam- 
uel Saylor, thir sergeant; Jacob West, 
first corporal; John Hoagland, secon.^l 
corporal; John V.Hutman, 3d corporal: 
John Shipe, A. F. Randolph, Jeremiah 
Murphy, Reuben H. Horn, Samuel H. 
Hay, Adam L. Hay, A. ^. Rohn, Julius 
W. Held, Andrew Steel, William Rex, 
George Lauber, Daniel Reed, Robert 
Bidleman, Jacob Grube, C. Weid- 
knecht, Jr., Isaac Derr, Peter Martin, 
Henry Yarhouse, W. B. Toland, Enos 
Toland, E.A.Reeder, Richard Stilwell, 
R. T. Horn, Joseph Spangenberg, Na- 
poleon Patier, J. Crooks, W. A. Heck- 
man, William Dalhardt, Emanuel 
Kline. John H. Reichardt, Jesse Mo- 
ritz, Levi Butz, Charles Dudley, Sam- 
uel Koenig, Frederick Saylor, Manas- 
ses Moser, Michael Wolf, J. M. Wey- 
gandt, J. H. Innes. 
November 1, 1843. 

"Protect Your Own." 

A meeting of the Mechanics of our 
borough for the purpose of devising 
some means for the improvement of 
their condition, in a business point of 
view, was held in the court house last 
week. J. Glancy Jones. Esq., address- 
ed the meeting in a very able manner 
which was received with great ap- 
plause by the large number of me- 
chanics present. A committee was ap- 
pointed to prepare and present reso- 



lutions, who could not agree as to 
what system should be adopted to 
gain the object desired. The commit- 
tee was discharged and a new one ap- 
pointed, who are to report to some fu- 
ture meeting. 

November 22, 1843. 



Humane Fire Company. 

At a meeting of the Humane Fire 
company held at the council room, on 
Thursday the 23ra instant, the follow- 
ing resolutions were passed: 

Whereas, ..e have learned that the 
members of council have refused to 
make the necessary alterations to the 
engine house in our possession, and 

Whereas, We learn, and with regret, 
that they have not only refused to 
comply with their promise, but that 
they contemplate a removal of the 
house and apparatus, therefore 

Resolved, That we firmly pledge 
ourselves to exercise untiring exer- 
tions in all cases where our presence 
is required, but likewise pledge our- 
selves to abandon their apparatus and 
refuse to serve in case council shall 
carry into effect their high-handed 
project. 

Resolved, That in case our compa- 
ny becomes disbanded by the conduct 
of the members of council, we solemn- 
ly pledge ourselves not to afford any 
protection or relief, by a union with 
any other engine or hose company. 

On motion resolved. That these res- 
olutions be signed by the officers and 
published in the different papers of 
our borough. 

GEO. FINLEY, President. 
F. H. Cruger, Secretary. 

November 29, 1843. 

1844. 
LIGHT OF OTHER DAYS. 



Candles! Candles! 

The subscriber continues to manu- 
facture candles at his factory near 
the Delaware bridge, Easton. A sup- 
ply always on hand and for sale at 
wholesale at reduced prices, and of an 
excellent quality. Those in want of 
the article are invited to call before 
purchasing elsewhere. 

WILLIAM GREEN. 
Easton, December 6, 1843. 
Whig and Journal, January 3, 1844. 



REMOVAL OF AN ANCESTOR. 



Call and Settle. 

The subscriber will leave Easton in 
April next, and wishing to close his 



accounts before that time, notifies all 
those indebted to him to call between 
this date and the middle of next 
month, and make payment. Those 
having demands will also call for set- 
tlement. 

JACOB WEAVER. 
Easton, February 7, 1844. 



Clay Meeting. 

On February 22, 1844, Easton was 
tne scene of a large an enthusiastic 
meeting of Whigs favorable to the 
election of Clay to the presidency and 
a Clay club was the result of the meet- 
ing. Theodore R. Sitgreaves was 
made chairman of the meeting with 
Charles Engle, Lawrence Troxsell, G. 
A. Hice, Charles Green and William 
Tidball, vice presidents, and W. J 
Browne and W. Maxwell, secretaries 
The committee on resolutions con 
sisted of William H. Thompson (re 
cently deceased), H. D. Maxwell, R 
K. Stewart, Fort Ihne, Philip Delhi 
^^harles Lockwood, William Schooley 
E. E. Hemingway, John Dawes, John 
Otto. A long series of resolutions 
were formulated by this committee, 
and the following committee of twen- 
ty-five was appointed to invite Henry 
Clay to extend the tour he was then 
making to the north, and give his fel- 
low citizens of Eastern Pennsylvania 
and New Jersey an opportunity of 
meeting him in convention at Easton. 
The committee consisted of A. E. 
Brown, H. D. Maxwell, Samuel Yohe, 
Jacob Weygandt, Abraham Miller, Geo. 
Barnet, John Heckman, William Rick- 
er, Sr., P. S. Michler, Samuel Shouse, 
G. A. Hice, S. Drinkhouse, William 
Green, McE. Forman, T.R. Sitgreaves, 
David Stem, Samuel Moore, Lawrence 
Troxsell, John K. Young, John Dawes, 
W. H. Thompson, John Shouse, Wm. 
lindall, Samuel Ludwig, Samuel Kin- 
sey. 

The following persons were appoint- 
ed delegates from the borough of Eas- 
ton to the ratification convention at 
"Baltimore: A. E. Brown, John Shouse 
Samuel Yohe, John Eyerman, Bobbins 
Stewart, J. H. Wilking, William Max- 
well, W. J. Browne, W. H. Thompson, 
Nathan Osterstock, Charles Dawes, T. 
R. Kelchner, C. T. Mattes, John Frey, 
John Green, Jr., William Vogle, John 
G. Moore, Jesse B. Shipman, F. A. 
Gwinner, Adam Hartsell, James H. 
Cook, E. W. Barnet, A. A. Lehn, J. 
P. Heckman, Robert Arnold, John B. 
Hunt, John Nightingale, William Caw- 
ley, A. Grotz, Peter Schooley, William 



177 



j-indall, John Drake, William Ham- 
mann, T. R. Sitgreaves, Samuel Stem, 
^eorge Finley, Charles Engle, G. W. 
Yates, H. S. Heckman, Samuel Oliver, 
^avid Apple, Erwin L. Kennedy, Ad- 
am Yohe, A. Probst, Jacob B. Heller, 
William Sutton, Henry Bender, B. G. 
Clarke, F. L. Crane, William Schooley, 
Lawrence Troxsell, William Deihl, N. 
Losey, J. P. Hetrick, David Moyer, 
Stephen Shnyder, William Barnett, I. 
L. Day, Samuel Moore, James Titus, 
John Opdycke, William xoung, E. A. 
Depew, Daniel Black, Lewis Heller, 
John Kessler, Charles Green, William 
wiiKing, O. Bunstein, George Lucken- 
bach, John Tindall, Charles Tilton, 
John Herster, Jr., Owen Jones, John 
btonebach, John Marbacher, -Henry S. 
Troxsell, R. B. Templin, P. Cunning- 
ham, John btarner, John J. Otto, 
Christian Butz, John Hartzell, Lewis 
Mattes, John Dawes, Benjamin Ober- 
ly, Edward Swift, Samuel Moore, H. 
H. Abernathy, Thomas Zulich, Jacob 
Jnaenchen, Jacob Frey, P. Snyder, M. 
W., Daniel Lachenour, W. B. Howell, 
McEvers Forman, John Kemmerer, L. 
A. Buckley, William Burt, Fort Ihrie, 
R. Phillips, John Lehn, Jr., L. M. Du- 
senberry. 

The club as constituted was called 
"The Clay Club of Easton," and all 
who felt an interest in Henry Clay, 
American principles and the protec- 
tive tariff were invited to join the 
club. 

G. W. Yates, William J. Browne 
and William Maxwell were appointed 
to draft a constitution for the club 
and T. R. Sitgreaves, Charles Green 
and John P. Heckman a committee to 
procure a suitable room for a head- 
quarters for the club, after which a 
spirited address was delivered by the 
Hon. Alexander E. Brown, which with 
patriotic sentiment, originality and 
eloquence was one of the best efforts 
of that accomplished scholar and we 
are informed that the songs sung were 
executed in the good old Tippecanoe 
style and that if a growling loco had 
been present his disponding heart 
would have been cheered, and notwith- 
sianding his great antipathy to "song 
singing" he would have danced! 

Meeting of the Friends of the Sab- 
bath. 
The citizens of the borough of Eas- 
ton anu its vicinity, are requested to 
assemble at the court house, on Fri- 
day evening, the 9th inst., at 7 o'clock, 
for the purpose of considering the 
propriety of petitioning the state Leg- 



islature to arrest ^ae profanation of 
the Sabbath by the use of public 
works on that day, and to repeal the 
law or regulation which obliges and 
requires the public officers and agents 
of the state to work upon that day. 

Ralph Tindall, William Green, S. 
Moore, B. F. Davis, Jacob Gangwer, 
Benjamin Wamsley, John Green, A. 
Miller, John Johnson, C. S. Bishop, 
John H. Kase, John Siegel, Samuel 
Kinsey, J. P. Hetrich, H. S. Chidsey, 
J. Weygandt, E. G. Elikinton, John 
Christman, ivi. Odenwelder, Samuel 
Shouse, F. S. Whitsell, M. Horn, John 
M. Bennett, Peter Shnyder, John Ti- 
tus, J. H. Cook, George Hess, Jr., M. 
H. Jones, C. Dawes, J. P. B. Sloan, A. 
H. Reeder, Joan Stewart, John Gray, 
Charles King, William Hummel, John 
Pollock, S. Drinkhouse, James Ballen- 
tine, Isaac Hiner, M. M. Everts, Jacob 
Abel, James Wilson, Joseph Dawes, 
C. A. Heller, Jacob Keller, A. Wilson, 
Jr., Benjamin G. Clarke, C. Roden- 
bough, G. W. Housel, W. M. Sutton, 
J. R. McMullin. 
Easton, February 7, 1844. 



The Court House. 

It will be recollected that at the 
last court, the measure for building a 
new jail, was defeated by the grand 
jury of our county; as it now stands 
there is no probability that Northamp- 
ton county will for the next fifty years 
think it advisable to erect new pub- 
lic buildings, in fact those in favor of 
the measure, have lost all hopes of 
ever living long enough to see it car- 
ried out. Another measure presents 
itself however, which is one of neces- 
sity, of which the people of the county 
generally are in favor, which is to 
refit and repair the old buildings in 
a plain and substantial way, so as 
to prevent them from absolute decay 
and I'uin. The court house, particu- 
larly is here referred to. This 
building is a venerable and substan- 
tial edifice — as originally designed it 
cannot, perhaps, be surpassed by any 
in the state, but it wants the refresh- 
ing touch of the painter's brush out- 
side and in. The window sills, some 
of them, are well nigh gone with de- 
cay — the ceiling of the court room 
wants a little white wash, to make it 
lighter and more suitable for its use. 
The old benches, which are but use- 
less lumber, occupying room without 
furnishing accommodations, should be 
removed — and one row of permanent 
seats placed in their stead. The three 
old stoves, with the pipes, running 



178 



over the bar, mignt be traded off for 
one good stove, which would be am- 
ply sufficient to warm the room; thus 
saving fuel and pipe and avoiding all 
the disagreeable effects of the present 
arrangement. The outside of the 
building should be rough-cast, thus 
making it more substantial, and at the 
same time a warmer tenement. Now 
what would all this cost the county? 
A few hundred dollars at the most, 
and if it be not done, and that too 
very soon, there will be a necessity 
for a new building, which at present 
we think does not exist. It is to be 
hoped the commissioners will look in- 
to this matter. As the agents of the 
people they are bound to protect the 
public building from dilapidation and 
uecay. and are culpable if they ne- 
glect it. They have heretofore turned 
their attention to the county house, 
which is now in a tolerable good con- 
dition, and we do hope the subject of 
this article will be next in order. M. 
April 3, 1844. 



The Court House. 

The county commissioners have been 
engaged for several weeks in repairing 
and fitting up the court house. The 
new windows and shutters are up and 
part of the rough casting on, and some 
idea can already be formed of its ap- 
pearance when completed. The inter- 
ior is also undergoing some altera- 
tion and repair, in which convenience 
as well as beauty will be consulted. 
So far as the commissioners have pro- 
gressed in this work, they appear to 
have the undivided approbation of the 
public. Some of our citizens were 
anxious to see the venerable walls, 
which were erected ninety-two years 
ago, torn down; but all now admit 
that the best course was adopted. We 
will have a handsome and convenient 
court house, which as far as wear is 
concerned will stand another century 
at an expense of about $2,000, where- 
as a new one, and perhaps not any 
better, would have put the county to 
a cost of fifty to seventy-five thousand 
(Jollars. 
September 25, 1844. 



The Square. 
Since the county has undertaken 
the improvement of the court house, 
the citizens of the borough have di- 
rected their attention to the Square. 
Many wish to see the old Market 
House removed and part of the public 
ground around the court house enclos- 
ed with an iron railing, and planted 



with trees. Various schemes are 
spoken of to defray the expense which 
would be incurred. Some think it 
should be paid out of the borough 
treasury, and others say it should be 
raised by a subscription. If it can- 
not be raised in any other way, the 
ladies say they can do it by a fair! 
September 25. 1844. 



Rev. Dr. Junkin. 
This distinguished gentleman, who 
was founder of Lafayette college, has 
accepted the call again to preside over 
the institution. He will take charge of 
it at the coming session. One of our 
papers says it would not be surprised 
if the town was illuminated on his 
arrival! This would not be a proper 
way of showing respect, because some 
of the Dr.'s earliest and most stead- 
fast friends could not unite in such a 
manifestation of regard. May all re- 
ceive him affectionately and sustain 
and cherish him while here. 
October 9, 1844. 



Opposition Stages. 

Many of our readers may not be 
aware of the fact that there are at 
this time opposition lines run 
on the Philadelphia and Read- 
ing roads and that the fare 
has been considerably reduced. A 
passage can now be had to Philadel- 
phia for $1 and to Reading for 50 cents 
and the journey performed in less 
time than formerly. 

The fare on these roads has always 
heretofore been $3 which was consid- 
ered too high. The present rates are 
perhaps a little too low, but that does 
not prevent a large number from vis- 
i..ng the city and Reading in the pur- 
suit of pleasure and for the transac- 
tion of business. 

The stages and teams belonging to 
the different lines are represented by 
the owners as very superior. Not 
knowing anything to the contrary, we 
take it for granted they are. The op- 
position to the Mail Line, for Phila- 
delphia, leaves the Easton hotel every 
Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 
November 6, 1844. 



The Court House. 

Since the last term of the courts of 
this county the commissioners have 
greatly improved the old court house. 
Many of the citizens who have been 
attending our courts for the last half 
century, appeared to be surprised on 
entering to find it painted, hand- 
somely papered and conveniently ar- 



179 



ranged with seats, to which they were 
conducted, with a constable's order 
of "hats off." The room is now in 
Keeping with the times; and the au- 
dience in attendance much more quiet 
than formerly, which would be great- 
ly increased if the bar and aisles were 
carpeted. The exterior of the build- 
ing is well improved with a neat por- 
tico at the west entrance, the whole 
surrounded with a fence enclO|Sing 
the eighty feet of ground belonging to 
the county. 
November 20, 1844. 

1845. 
We notice by the Reading papers, 
that J. Glancy Jones, Esq., has been 
admitted to practice as an attorney 
in the courts of Berks county. Mr. 
Jones was a resident of this place 
during the past three years, and rank- 
ed high in his profession, and was 
much esteemed in his social capacity. 
We believe Mr. J. formerly resided in 
Berks county, and has connexions 
and many old friends amongst her 
citizens and we have no doubt he will 
find his present location a congenial 
soil, .where his professional abilities 
and private worth will be duly ap- 
preciated. 
January 22, 1845. 



C. Wohlgemuth, 

Physician and midwife, respectfully 
informs the public that he can be con- 
sulted at the house of Mr. Yeager, at 
the west end of Easton. 
Easton, January 22, 1845. 



School. 

The subscriber will open a school 
on Wednesday the 16th of April, in 
the north room, second story of the 
Academy. Having spent a number of 
years in teaching he feels qualified to 
instruct in all the branches of an 
English education. 

He is desirous of establishing a good 
school, and consequently will spare 
no exertions for the improvement of 
those placed under his care. 

Terms made known upon applica- 
tion at his residence, or at the school 
room. 

WILLIAM IHOMAS. 

Easton, March 26, 1845. 



Funeral Ceremonies in Honor of 
General Jackson. 

The solemnities in token of respect 
to the memory of Gen. Andrew Jack- 
son, by our citizens, took place on 
Saturday afternoon last, and notwith- 



standing the day was highly unfavor- 
able, were particij)ated in by a large 
number of persons. It commenced 
sprinkling a short time before the ar- 
rival of the hour fixed for the com- 
mencement of the ceremonies, and 
the rain fell in torrents before they 
were concluded. The procession, 
however, was formed, and moved 
through all the street mentioned in 
the program of arrangements. The 
sidewalks were filled with spectators, 
the stores, offices, workshops, and pri- 
vate dwellings, generally, were clos- 
ed, and every thing of a partisan 
character kept out of sight. Flags, 
surmounted with black crape, were 
displayed at half staff, and other em- 
blems of mourning exhibited, at the 
several armories, court house, and 
other public places. The whole pass- 
ed off in the most becoming manner. 
The following was the order of the 
procession. 

Gen. Peter Ihrie, Chief Marshal. 

Cols. A. Miller and D. W. Butz, Aids. 

Easton Fencibles, Capt. Reeder. 

National Guards, Capt. Yohe. 

A White Horse in mourning, without 

His Rider. 
The Orator of the day, W. McCartney. 
The Reverend Clergy. 
Committee of Arrangements. 
Town Council of the Borough of 
Easton. 
Soldiers of the late war. 
Northampton Beneficiai Society. 
The two Divisions of the Sons of Tem- 
perance. 
The three lodges of Odd Fellows. 

The citizens generally. 
After having passed over the desig- 
nated route, the procession repaired 
to St. John's church, where the order 
of exercises were as follows: 
Ode by Choir. 
Prayer by the Rev. P. CoomJie. 
Ode. 
Eulogies by Professor W. McCaitney 
Benediction by Rev. Dr. Geoige Juiv 

kin. 
July 2, 1S45. 

The following is a curiosity in these 
days of improved mail service, and 
when a one-cent postage rate on let- 
ters to all parts of the United States 
and its territories is being agitated. 
July, 1845. 
Easton Post Office. 
Times of Arrival and Departure of 
Mails, Easton, Pennsylvania. 
Southern mail, Philadelphia, ar- 
rives daily, except Sundays, by 6 p 
m. and departs at 6 a. m. 



ISO 



Easton mail, New York, via Eliza- 
betlitown, Sommerville, arrives daily, 
except Sundays, by 8 p. m. departs at 

6 a. m. 

South Eastern mail from Morris 
town, N. J., via Mendham, Chester, 
Schooley's Mountain, Andersontown, 
Mansfield, etc., arrives daily, Sundays 
excepted, by 8 p. m. departs at 3 a. m. 

Wilkesbarre mail, via Nazareth, Ja- 
cobsburg, Wind Gap, Saylorsburg, 
Shaffers, Mount Pocono, Stoddarts- 
ville, Beaumont, etc., arrives daily, 
Sundays excepted, by 8 p. m., departs 
at 4 a. m. 

Newton mail, via Belvidere, arrives 
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, by 
6.30 p. m. departs Monday, Wednes- 
day and FYiday at 4 a. m. 

Mauch Chunk mail, via Bath, Cher- 
ryville, Lehigh. Water Gap, Lehigh- 
ton, etc., arrives Tuesday, Thursday 
and Saturday by 3 p. m. departs at 

7 a. m. 

Allentown mail, via Butztown, Beth- 
lehem, etc., arrives Tuesday, Thurs- 
day, Saturday, by 6 p. m. departs Mon- 
day, Wednesday and Friday at 4 a. m. 

Milford mail, via Martin's Creek, 
Richmond, Stone Church, Mount Beth- 
el, Dutotsburg, E'xperiment Mills, 
Craigs Meadows, Coolbaughs, Bush- 
kill, Delaware, Hornbecks, Dingmans 
Ferry, arrives Tuesday, Thursday and 
Saturday, by 8 p. m., departs at 4 a. m. 

Northern mail, Waymart, via Bel- 
fast, Wind Gap, Tannersville, Stan- 
hope, Spruce Grove, Denton, Sterling, 
Hamilton, Canaan, arrives Tuesday, 
Thursday and Saturday by 10 p. m., 
departs 4 a. m. 

Reading mail, via Butztown, Beth- 
lehem, Allentown, Trexlertown, Brei- 
ningsville, Rodrocksville, Kutztown, 
Mainden Creek, etc., arrives Monday, 
Wednesday and Friday, by 6 p. m., 
departs Tuesday, Thursday and Satur- 
day at 4 a. m. 

Quakertown mail, weekly, via Free- 
mansburg, Lower Saucon, Stouts, 
Springtown, Bursonville and Rich- 
landtown, etc., arrives Thursday by 12 
m., departs at 1 p. m., the same day. 
Office Hours on Sunday. 

From 8 o'clock to 10 a. m. 

From 7.30 o'clock p. m. to 10 p. m. 

Tbe closing hour for all the mails is 
9 o'clock p. m. 

The new post office law which went 
into operation on the 1st instant, by 
which postage is so^ much reduced will 
oblige the postmaster to be more rigid 
in the collection of his dues than here- 
tofore. 

After that, therefore, credit on let- 



ters and papers will be allowed to no 
one, except such as own private box- 
es; and then only, to such as pay 
promptly at the end of each quarter. 

The postage upon letters, pamph- 
lets, periodicals, magazines or occas- 
ional newspapers, addressed to such 
persons as are not boxholders^ must 
be paid upon delivery. The postage 
on newspapers to be paid quarterly in 
advance, as the law provides. 

The above regulations have been 
adopted to meet the exigencies of the 
new law, and they will be found to 
operative beneficially to the public, 
and save the postmaster from actual 
loss and much unnecessary trouble. 
Rates of Postage. 

For a single letter, not exceeding 
half an ounce, (avoirdupois) sent not 
exceeding three hundred miles, 5 
cents. 

Sent over three hundred miles, 10 
cents. 

For every half ounce, and any ex- 
cess over every half ounce, the same 
rates of postage, and when advertis- 
ed, two cents on each letter, or four 
cents, if the advertising cost so much, 
additional. 

For drop letters (not to be mailed) 
each, 2 cents. 

For any printed circular, handbill, 
or advertisement, unsealed, sent any 
distance, 2 cents. 

For any pamphlet, or other matter, 
of "every kind" that is "transmitta- 
ble by mail," and has no wirtten com- 
munication, of one ounce or less or 
for a newspaper exceeding 1900 square 
inches of surface, 2 1-2 cents. 

For each additional ounce, or an ex- 
cess greater than a half ounce, 1 cent. 

For any other newspaper, sent over 
3u, and not more than 100 miles, or 
any distance within the same state, 
1 cent. 

Sent over such distance, 1 l-2c. 



The Fourth of July, 1845, in Easton. 
The sixty-ninth anniversary of our 
national independence was observed 
with more than the usual amount of 
ardour and enthusiasm, in this place, 
on Friday last. At an early hour our 
citizens were awakened by the firing 
of cannon,and their ears enlivened by 
the sounds of the fife and drum, and 
the pleasing strain of instrumental 
music. The people of the country 
soon after began to pour in, and by 
9 o'clock the streets were filled. At 
that hour the several divisions of the 
Sons of Temperance, from Allentown, 
Bethlehem, Craneville, Doylestown, 



181 



and New Hope, who came here to cel- 
ebrate the day with the George Tay- 
lor division of Easton, began to ar- 
rive, and were escorted to the court 
house by a detachment of the Eas- 
ton Sons of Temperance, and the 
Easton brass band, where a cold col- 
lation was provided for them. 

At 10 o'clock a temperance pro- 
cession was forjtoed in the Centre 
Square, in the following order: Chief 
Marshal, J. P. B. Sloan, and aids; Al- 
lentown Division of the Sons of Tem- 
perance; Bethlehem Division; Crane- 
ville Division; Doylestown Division; 
New Hope Division; George Taylor 
Division; Northampton Division; 
About forty soldiers of the last war, 
some in carriages and some on foot; 
those on foot carried the colors which 
was presented to them by the ladies 
of Easton, in 1814, and which they 
took with them to camp; The Rever- 
end Clergy; The Students of Lafay- 
ette College; The Citizens friendly to 
Temperance. The George Taylor Di- 
vision carried a beautiful banner 
painted by Charles E. Weygandt, Esq., 
upon which v/as a female represent- 
ing the Genius of Temperance, re- 
clining against a rock, with a goblet 
of pur^ water in her outstretchfed 
hand. At the base of the rock was a 
fountain of limpid water, and under 
the feet of the female a crushed ser- 
pent. After marching through the 
principal streets, the procession re- 
paired to the beautiful green in front 
of Mr. Vanderveer's Academy, at the 
north end of Fermer (Second) street, 
where an admirable address was de- 
livered by the Rev. P. Coombe, to 
the assembled thousands. The choir 
and band also performed some super- 
ior music. After the services were 
concluded, the Sons of Temperance, 
ond many citizens, repaired to the 
National Guard's Armory, where an 
excellent dinner had been prepared by 
the Ladies of Easton, and of which 
about one thousand persons partook. 
The armory was beautifully decorat 
ed, the fare was sumptuous, and o 
the best quality, and the entire ai 
rangement reflects the highest crediv. 
upon the fair laborers who exerted 
themselves in getting up the feast 

At 11 o'clock the drum was again 
heard, and the military made their 
appearance. The Stockton Artillerists, 
of Mauch Chunk, Capt. Leisenring, 
Easton Fencibles, Capt. Reeder, and 
National Guards, Capt. Yohe, assem- 
bled in the Square, and formed a bat- 
talion under the command of Capt. 
Yohe. After marching through sev- 



eral streets, and performing various 
evolution, they repaired at 1 o'clock 
to the Fencibles' Armory, which had 
been beautifully fitted up, and where 
an excellent dinner was also prepared 
for them by the ladies of Easton.About 
two hundred military and their friends 
partook of the fare. After the cloth 
was removed an oration was deliverea 
by Mr. W. H. Hutter, editor of the 
Democrat and Argus, which we did 
not hear, but which is highly spoken 
of. Speeches were also made, and 
toasts drank — many of them in cold 
water — and a pleasant afternoon 
spent. At 5 o'clock the military again 
paraded, and made a Deautiful dis- 
play. They were the admiration of 
all. 

Thus passed the 4th of July, 1845, 
the sixty-ninth anniversary of the 
nation's birthday. Not one accident 
occurred to mar the pleasure and fes- 
tivities of the day, and what is equal- 
ly satisfactory, a drunken man was 
one of the rarest things to be met 
v/ith. May each succeeding 4th, be 
as well observed by our citizens, and 
may the principles which operated to 
produce its quiet and sober observance 
become universally prevalent. 



School Notice. 

At a meeting of the board of school 
directors, it was resolved, That the 
common schools commence on Mon- 
day, the 1st of September next, and 
that the Misses Hechts teach at the 
Catholic church, the Misses Fickardt, 
Lattimore, Davis and Dusenbery, at 
the New Lutheran church; the Misses 
Heckmans and Henry, at the Metho 
dist church; Miss Howell, at her resl 
dence; Mrs. Steel at her residence; 
and Mrs. Vandyke at Mrs. Burke's 
school room. 

Messrs. Davis, Ticknor, Olmstead 
and Thomas, to teach in the Acade- 
my. 

From the minutes, 

SAMUEL YOHE, Secretary. 
August 20, 1S45. 



School Notice. 

Henry Griffiths respectfully informs 
the public, that his school .which has 
hitherto included pupils of both sex- 
es) will on Monday the 25th inst. 
continue open for the admission of 
a limited number of young ladies. The 
expediency of such an alteration is 
obvious in many respects, and will, 
he presumes, be considei-ed sufficient 
apology. Parents who may be desir- 
our of confiding their children to his 



182 



care are politely requested to call at 
his school rooms (the session room 
of the G. R. church) or at his resi- 
dence in North Hamilton street, when 
further particulars and unexceptiona- 
ble reference will be given. 

He avails himself of the present op- 
portunity, to return his thanks to 
those who hcve so kindly honored 
him with their confidence and encour- 
agement. 
Easton, August 20, 1845. 



What Think You, Ladies of Easton? 

The trustees of Lafayette college 
are about to solicit j-^our aid, by way 
of a fair, to re-i^urchase the building 
used for the model school, or academi- 
cal department 

It passed out of their hands some 
twelve monthts ago, and in order to 
secure its use which is absolutely ne- 
cessary to make provision for the in- 
creased number of students, the ladies 
of Easton are called upon to aid in 
this praiseworthy object, and relying 
upon their known liberality, we doubt 
not that this call will meet with a will- 
ing response. 
September 24, 1845. 



*rTie Fair. 

For the benefit of Lafayette college 
will be opened for the admission of 
visitors at the Guards' Armory, Eas- 
ton, Pa., on Wednesday evening, De- 
cember 24. During Christmas day it 
will be closed. On Friday at 10 o'- 
clock a. m. it will again be opened, 
and continue so until 10 p. m. Also 
on Saturday afternoon and evening. 
Easton, December 24, 1845. 

The building in question was for 
many years afterwards used as a dor* 
mitory and was known as West Col- 
lege. Some years ago it was remod- 
eled and converted into an office build- 
ing. 

In the life of Margaret Junkin Pres- 
ton, (the poet) recently issued is a 
letter written at Easton when Mrs. 
Preston was Margaret Junkin in which 
she says: * * "Just now we, that is the 
ladies of Easton, are very busily en- 
gaged in preparing for a bazar, after 
the model of the recent one held by 
the Philadelphia ladies. Its object is 
to liquidate a debt which remains up- 
on the college, and if its results are 
at all commensurate with the zeal and 
energy displayed by oar ladies, we Will 
realize something handsome: It is 
to be held during Christmas week 
and the affair is to be terminated by 
a tea party, to which all the town 



people are to be invited. So you see 
that at present I have employment 
for all my faculties." 

Ttie following poetical appeal 
for aid in the fair is from another of 
fcjaston's poets, Mrs. Jane Lewars 
Gray and appeared in the Presbyter- 
ian at the time: 



The Ladies' Fair. 

The ladies or Kasion, and. many there 

are. 
Whom even the beaux of your city 

think fair, 
If we judge by their conduct, when 

slily they come 
And lure our sweet maidens from kin- 
dred and home — 
Well, sir, these fair ladies resolve and 

agree 
To write you a letter, and for scribe 

thev chose me; 
Unworthy I own, and unable am I 
To act as their proxy on mission so 

high— 
But without further preface, my task 

I essay. 
Though not as I would, I will write as 

I may. 
You ask on what subject? Dear sir, 

you must know 
We thought of a plan, about three 

months ago 
To promote the advancement of 

science and knowledge; 
\o aid and uphold and give strength 

to our college, 
Whos3 shoulders now bend 'neath the 

harden of care 
Too great for the strength of a strip- 
ling to bear. 
What a pity it is that a youngster, 

who yet 
Has scarce entered his teens, should 

be loaded with debt! 
Had it been his own doing, he ne'er 

had our pity, 
is or would we now trouble his friends 

in the city; 
But it was his young brother, a prom- 
ising- youth* 
That has caused this distress, sir, 

and that is the truth — 
Well, now for our plan, as our ladies 

were sad, 
To see how it stunted the growth of 

the lad, 
"Who was always a pet with our fair 

ones in town 
Since the very first day that he set 

himself down. 
On the hill just above us where even- 
ing and morning, 
We see him, his place and his calling 

adorning; 



183 



His conduct so studious surpassing his 

years 
To the aged and youthful his conduct 

endears — 
\ou, who know him yourself, sir, his 

habits and station, 
May judge if 'my praises are exagger- 
ation — 
But pardon my wandering — To get up 

a fair** 
We have made many things that are 

handsome and rare, 
xao' I say we have made, yet I own 

that my doing 
Would not do much to rescue our 

favorite from ruin ; 
But as drones ever buzz round the 

honey bees' hoaie. 
Sipping sweets others toil for, then 

carelessly roam. 
So we have among us some vagabond 

elves, 
\vho'd rather see any one work but 

themselves, 
Yet such are employed in their proper 

vocation 
And that to the theme of my song 

brings me back 
Though again I have wandered away 

from the track. 
I wish you would come up some even- 
ing and see 
How happy, and jocund, and active 

are we; 
Some taxing their wits for an article 

neat. 
Which others with fingers and genius 

complete — 
Some knit the bead purse, which, in 

brilliant display. 
Might rival the dew-drops and bright- 
en the spray, 
X hough I'm free to confess that the 

metal is thrown 
'io grace and embellish the ouside 

alone! 
Some broider the slipper in scarlet 

and gold — 
Some weave the soft neck-tie to keep 

out the cold — 
While others, with industry, worthy 

and proper. 
For gentlemen make the gay calico 

wrapper. 
And here is displayed, too, so faithful 

a scene *** 
So true to the life, that old winter, I 

ween. 
Might deem it the work of his own 

wither'd hand. 
Though by one of the fairest young 

maids of our land! 
So now the old fellow may come and 

may go. 
We're quite independent of him for 
our snow. 



There's a head of a Beatrice, lovely 

and sweet. 
Where firmness and gentleness mingle 

and meet; 
The blue eye's sweet languish, the 

brow soft and fair 
And the bright sunny curls of that 

long glossy hair 
To nature so true that you long to 

entwine 
With your fingers, the ringlets that 

flowingly shine — 
Ah! Why should we grieve that old 

Guido has gone, 
A light, that though brilliant, far, far 

from us shone. 
While we have a fair, rising orb of 

our own! 
Again I've disgressed from the aim or 

my story — 
But now, sir, I'll lay it out plainly be- 
fore ye — 
I'm deputed to ask, what perhaps you 

can spare, 
Some Books! Have you any? to sell 

at our Fair! 
A man like yourself, sir, whose name 

has gone forth, 
iurough the length of our country, 

for talents and worth. 
Whose word is a law, and whose 

fiat is fate. 
When the author comes trembling and 

knocks at your gate. 
With wishes most kind, and so forth, 

and so forth. 
And compliments due to your learning 

and worth. 
He leaves you a handsome bound 

copy with pleasure. 
And begs you to glance at it, just as 

your leisure; 
In your columns, perhaps, speak a 

kind word or two 
Should you deem his work worthy a 

notice from you. 
As this kind of thing comes again and 

again. 
Your shelves must be burden'd * * ** 

the matter is plain 
Now, sir, as we value your talents and 

learning. 
Your kindness, your goodness, your 

tact and discerning 
We know that we only need ask to 

receive. 
So our cause in your hands we with 

confidence leave. 
And duly we'll prize as a present 

from you. 
Those books at our Fair, be they many 

or few,- 
There are others, your friends, sir, 

whose names we could name, 
Whose praises are loud in the trumpet 
of fame. 



184 • 



Ah! would we with them an ac- 
quaintance could claim — 

There's Chandler, who comes just at 
evening you see 

And ever gives relish and zest to our 
tea ***** 

And Graham and Godey, one gentle- 
men's ware, 

The other a festival finds for- the fair; 

Names ever dear to the good and the 
wise. 

Fort virtue and learning both merit 
the prize, 

Then there's the American — he of the 
North, 

So famous for talents, and learning, 
and worth — 

The Sentinel too, that honest old fel- 
low. 

Like wine that with age grows more 
spicy and mellow, 

^dger, the Times, and the Sun 
that unite 

To shed o'er our country a halo of 
light— 

Ah! if we but knew them, sir as we 
know you. 

We would write, just to each other. 
How do you do? 

We would beg them to open their 
stores and their heart, 

And out of their plenty, just send us 
a part! 

Now if any unnamed in our city should 
feel 

An interest deep in our woe or our 
weal. 

And send us a present, we will not 
refuse. 

For though books we have named, 
we presume not to choose. 

'Tis kinder and pleasanter too, we 
believe. 

Nay, we know it is better to give 
than receive; 

for we tested its truth, sir, by send- 
ing you down 

A box, when a fair you got up in your 
town ' '(•'(•^^'^'^ 

And now the sweet privileges we 
would afford, 

And the blessings, we tasted, to you 
would accord! 

But we must say good bye — may the 
coming year bring 

A burden of blessings and peace on 
its wing — 

And may Christmas time bring to 
your bosom and board 

The very best gifts that our land can 
afford, 

Vvith an appetite keen for the good 
things you feast on. 

Are the wishes and hopes of the La- 
dies of Easton! 



On behalf of the Committee of La- 
dies. J. L. G. 
Easton, Pa., December 8, 1845. 

* The present effort is on behalf 
of the building in which the academ- 
ical department is taught. (Old West 
College.) 

**To be holden on Christmas Eve. 

***A painting of Winter Scenery, 
by a young lady. 

****The ladies suppose that editors 
have a great many pretty books, while 
they know that they are the patrons 
of every enterprise for the diffusion 
of knowledge. 

*****The "United States Gazette," 
ever welcome as it is intellectual, ar- 
rives here now late in the afternoon. 

******The ladies of Easton sent a 
box to the fair recently held on be- 
half of the Academy of Fine Arts, 
J. niladelphia. 
December 24, 1845. 

A Curiosity. 

We find in "The Mail or Clapole's 
Daily Advertiser," of September 27, 
1792, published in the city of Phila- 
delphia, the following advertisement, 
which we republish to show the ad- 
vance of improvement in the way of 
stages between Easton and Philadel- 
phia. In addition we would state that 
we have now four daily lines of coach- 
es running to Philadelphia and two 
on the same roads as mentioned" in the 
old advertisement; by which lines pas- 
sengers can leave Easton at 7 o'clock 
a. m. and arrive in Philadelphia at 
1..30 and 2 o'clock p. m. at a fare of 
$2.50. By the old advertisement the 
fare was $2.00 and two days going 
through. 
February 18. 1846. 

Easton Stage. 

The subscriber takes this opportu- 
nity to inform the public that he has 
erected a stage wagon from Easton 
to Philadelphia, which will set off 
every Monday morning at 5 o'clock, 
from Easton, from the inn of M.John 
Adams Jost, at the sign of the horse, 
and arrive in Philadelphia every Tues- 
day evening at the house of Mr. Ja- 
cob Mittinger, the sign of General 
Washington, in Vine street, and re- 
turn again every Thursday morning at 
5 o'clock. 

It goes from Philadelphia to Mr. 
John Moore's in Jenkintown; from 
thence to Mr. John Rothrock's, and 
then proceeds to Mr. George Vogel's, 
at the Noccamixon, to Easton, and re- 
turns the same road. 

The price for each passenger from 
Easton to Philadelphia, will be two 



185 



dollars. Three pence per mile for each 
way passenger, and three pence for 
each letter. 

Those who are pleased to favor 
him with their custom, may depend on 
being served in the best manner, by 
their humble servant, 

JOHN NICOLUS. 



High Water in the Delaware. 

Records of the high water taken 
from original marks on the door of 
Mr. Peter Shnyder's tannery. (North 
Third street on the Bushkill.) 

The difference between the level on 
the Bushkill and marks on the pier 
of the Delaware, being about six inch- 
es. The highest water January 8, 
1841, being 32 feet. 

October 27, 1777, 23 feet 2 inches. 

May 9, 1781, 25 feet 6 inches. 

February 19, 1783, 24 feet 5 inches. 

March 17, 1785, 26 feet 11 inches. 

Pumpkin Fresh— October, 1786, 25 
feet 2 inches. 

April 1, 1814, 24 feet 5 inches. 

October 13, 1845, 22 feet 8 inches. 

March 15. 1846, 27 feet. 



Finesville Satinett Factory. 

The subscribers continue to manu- 
facture Satinetts at the following 
prices, viz: Merino, thirty-three cents 
per yard; Common, thirty cents per 
yard; Blanketing, thirty-five cents per 
yard. 

Wool for manufacturing will be ta- 
ken in, and when manufactured, re- 
turned to the grocery store of Mr. 
Nicholas Depew. 

P. C. and H. M. FINE. 
Finesville, May 13, 1846. 



An advertisement that suggests pre- 
sent day methods for catching the eye. 
War or No War with IVlexico. 

All good housekeepers will continue 
to fix and cleanse their houses, and 
tear off the old paper from their 
rooms, and put on new. To accommo- 
date those worthy wives and house- 
keepers. 

J. R. M'MULLIN, 
has selected a great variety of patterns 
of paper suitable for that purpose. 
More than 

1000 PIECES OF WALL PAPER 
of different patterns, are now offered 
for sale, and will be sold cheap. 

ALSO— About fifty different pat- 
terns of window curtains, among 
which are a fine assortment of painted 
oil cloth window shades which are 
the most fashionable now in use in the 
cities of New York and Philadelphia, 



and a variety of the new style rain- 
bow paper curtains. Also different 
sizes of painted and unpainted Yan- 
kee blinds. 

Call and see if you do not buy, as 
the shades are all worth seeing. 

J. R. M'MULLIN, 
Book and Paper Store, northwest cor- 
ner of the Public Square. 
Easton, Pa., April 22, 1846. 



The IVIexican War Agitation. — The 
Town IVIeeting. 
The call of our chief burgess for a 
town meeting on Friday evening last, 
May 15, 1846, for the purpose of ex- 
pressing the sentiments of our citizens 
in regard to the present position of 
national affairs, was responded to with 
a creditable spirit and enthusiasm. 
When our common country calls, all 
differences of opinion appear to be for- 
gotten, and every bosom is animated 
with the patriotic sentiment of "Our 
Country right or wrong." The meet- 
ing was attended by some of the few 
gallant spirits who stood by the Stars 
and Stripes in '76 and during the late 
war, and if we mistake not this bor- 
ough and county, will never be found 
backward in answering to the call of 
the country. 



Town IVIeeting. 
At a town meeting of the citizens 
of the borough of Easton, convened on 
the evening of May 15, 1846, at the 
court house, in answer to the call of 
the chief burgess. Captain P. Nunges- 
ser, was chosen president; P. Reich- 
ardt and J. Weygandt, Esqs., vice 
presidents, and H. E. Wolf, and W. L. 
Sebi'ing, secretaries. The following 
resolutions, moved by Col. J. M. Por- 
ter, and seconded by A. E. Brown, 
Esq., were unanimously adopted. 

Whereas, the Congress of the Unit- 
ed States have, by a legislative enact- 
ment, declared, that by the act of the 
Republic of Mexico, a state of war 
exists between that government and 
the United States, and the president 
of the United States, by his proclama- 
tion, dated the 13th inst., has official- 
ly announced to the people the exist- 
ence of the said war, 

Resolved, That we cheerfully respond 
to the request of the executive, to 
exert ourselves to preserve order, pro- 
mote concord, maintaining the authori- 
ty and efficiency of laws, and support 
and invigorate all the measures that 
may be adopted by the constituted au- 
tiiority for obtaining a speedy, just 
and honorable peace. 



186 



Resolved, That the wrongs inflicted 
by Mexico on our citizens.and the cold 
blooded murder of our gallant officers 
and men, without a formal declaration 
of war, have left to the United States 
no other alternative for the vindication 
of their national honor, for the redress 
of their injuries sustained, than a 
prompt and efficient prosecution of the 
existing war. 

Resolved, That as the cup of for- 
bearance has been exhausted, the 
whole energies of our country should 
be put into requisition, to chastise the 
invaders of our soil, and teach them, 
what they seem not to have learned, 
that the United States asks nothing 
but what is right, and will submit to 
nothing that is wrong. 

Resolved, That the more speedily 
troops can be concentrated on theMex- 
ican frontier, and carry the war into 
the territory of that republic, and the 
sooner our navy shall cut off the trade 
and destroy the seaports of Mexico, 
the better the people of the United 
States will be satisfied with the admin- 
istration of the government. 

Resolved, That the citizen -joldiers 
of the country are ready and waiting 
to march with alacrity as their ser- 
vices may be needed. And will be 
troubled with no conscientious scru- 
ples, about crossing the line dividing 
the United States from Mexico, be- 
lieving as they do, that the war should 
be carried into Africa. 

Resolved, That we will, by all means 
in our power, sustain the government, 
in all measures for the prompt and 
efficient prosecution of this war. 

Resolved, That a copy of the fore- 
going resolutions be forwarded to the 
president of the United States, to our 
senators and our immediate represen- 
tatives in Congress. 

P. NUNGESSER, President. 
P. Reichardt and J. Weygandt, Vice 

Presidents. 
ttorace E. Wolf, W. L. Sebring, Secre- 
taries. 



Volunteers for fhe Army. 

At a meeting at the armory on Mon- 
day evening, May 18, 1846, by the Eas- 
ton Fencibles, Captain Reader, a reso- 
lution was passed that the services of 
liie corps be tendered to the govern- 
ment, and in the event of war requir- 
ing their aid, to march to the scene of 
war, and fight for the glorious cause 
of Liberty. 



ing and hair dressing emporium of 
your now venerable citizen, Benja- 
min Mettlar Youells. Whilst waiting 
their turn, news and gossip was ex- 
changed and in this way Mr. Youells 
gained volumes of information con- 
cerning the old town and its people 
possessed by none other now living. 
Call on Youells. 
And try a new article of his own 
preparation for cleansing . the head. 
It has been tested and found to be an 
excellent article. His establishment 
is becoming quite popular, and there 
is no knowing where he will get to, 
if he keeps on at this rate. As a hair 
dresser he is among the best — at 
shaving No. 1, and you will find no 
humbugs amongst his well selected 
perfumerj' — such as pigs' fat labeled 
Bears' Oil, etc. Everything is genu- 
ine — even the large Indians on his 
tall pole. 
June 10, 1S46. 

Likenesses — True and Cheap. 

Mr. Custin, has now been in our 
borough a month or so, and has suc- 
ceeded in establishing two important 
points, viz.: that he is a gentleman — 
and can take correct likenesses — 
enough to warrant extensive patron- 
age, and we are assured that in this 
respect he has been quite successful. 
His frame of specimens of the Daguer- 
rian art exhibited at the court house, 
has attracted crowds, and satisfied 
all that he has made himself acquaint- 
ed with all the improvements in this 
wonderful art. All, therefore, who 
wish to "see themselves as they are 
seen," will do well to call at his room 
in the academy, without delay, as he 
contemplates leaving here in the 
course of a week. 
June 10, 1846. 



A popular resort for the best of the 
male citizens of Easton was the shav- 



Fill Up the Army. 

A recruiting officer has just arrived 
in town, and located himself in North- 
ampton street, a few doors above Mr. 
George Sauerbier's large and fashion- 
able cheap hat and cap store. Several 
have already enlisted — and a chance 
is offered to others who are patriotic 
and brave, and a handsome corps will 
no doubt soon be collected in this 
place. Our regulars have always 
proved themselves good soldiers — 
and good fighting should have better 
pay. The army should be maintained 
as cheap as possible, but six or eight 
dollars per month and single rations, 
is not a just or reasonable compensa- 
tion. Our congressmen think eight 



187 



dollars a month sufficient for 
our brave fellows who do 
the fighting, while they 

pocket eight dollars a day for talking 
and writing squibs to the dear people, 
their constituents. The pay of the 
privates should be increased — if our 
fighting would cost more, we would 
have less of it. 
June 10, 1846. 



Easton Fencibles. 

The above handsomely equippe<J 
corps will parade on Monday next, 
and hold a meeting in the evening of 
the same day to fill up their roll to the 
number required by law for actual ser- 
vice in the reguar line of the army. 
(Read the proceedings in another col- 
umn.) All the unmarried men with- 
in the borough should respond to the 
call, and no doubt they will — but let 
the married men who are more ad- 
vanced in life attend, also, and if there 
should be any want of the right kind 
of materials to form a beautiful and 
efficient company, they can muster 60 
or 70, who will be ready for action in 
two weeks. 
June 10, 1846. 



Armory of the Easton Fencibles. 

Monday Evening, June 1, 1846. 

At a meeting of the corps held Mon- 
dya evening, June 1, it was 

Resolved, That Sergeant West, and 
Privates Stilwell and R. H. Horn be 
a committee to devise and report the 
best and most expedient method of in- 
creasing the rank and file of the corps 
to the number required, in order to 
constitute a full company under the 
provisions of the act of Congress, pre- 
paratory to entering into the service 
of the United States, in the event of 
being called on. And that said com- 
mittee report on Thursday evening 
next. 

Thursday Evening, June 4, 1846. 

The corps met pursuant to adjourn- 
ment, when the following report was 
presented: — 

The committee appointed to de- 
vise and report the proper method of 
filling the ranks of the corps to the 
number required by the act of Con- 
gress preparatory to going into the 
service of the United States, report: — 

That in pursaunce of said resolution 
they met and considered the subject 
referred to them, and are unanimous- 
ly of the opinion that a committee 
Rliould be appointed by the corps, for 
ine purpose of calling personally on 



the young men of the town, and solicit- 
ing them to unite with the corps as 
members, and to uniform and equip 
themselves as speedily as possible, in 
orc'er to be in readiness for service, 
end your committee further recom- 
mend in order to furnish an opportun- 
ity to those who may not be called on 
personally, or who may not respond 
to the call of the committee, that a 
public meeting of the corps be held 
at the court house, and that all the 
citizens of the place and vicinity be 
invited to participate in said meeting, 
as well those who may be disposed to 
become members, as those who (be- 
ing unable to serve) are yet willing 
to lend their countenance and sup- 
port to our project, and that 
proper measures be adopted by 
means of the public press to give pub- 
licity to the said intended meeting, 
and to call the attention of the pub- 
lic to the same, and further, in order 
to a full discussion of the subject, 
and an explanation of the importance 
of the purpose we have in view, we 
recomm'^nd that some patriotic citi- 
zens o .he town be invited to attend 
and address the citizens thtere as- 
sembled upon the object of said meet- 
ing, and all the considerations of pub- 
lic duty, patriotism and local char- 
acter that are involved in its success. 
Your committee cannot believe that 
an appeal to the patriotism of the 
citizens of Easton will be heard with- 
out a response. 

We report the following resolu- 
tion : 

Resolved, That a committee of three 
be appointed to call upon the young 
men of the borough, and solicit them 
to offer their names as members of 
the corps. 

Resolved, That a meeting of the 
corps be held in the court house on 
Monday evening, June 1, for the 
purpose of receiving the names of all 
who may desire to be admitted as 
members; and that all the citizens of 
the place favorable to the object of 
the meeting be invited to attend and 
take part in the proceedings. 

Which report and resolutions, were 
on motion unanimously adopted. From 
the minutes. 

W. H. HUTTER, Secretary. 



General Town Meeting. 

In accordance with the above reso- 
lutions, a meeting of the corps will 
be held in the court house, on Monday 
evening, the 15th inst, to which all 



188 



our citizens are respectfully invited. 
Several addresses will be delivered 
on the occasion. 
June 10, 1846. 



Father Pomp's Semi-Centennial in the 
Ministry. 
The celebration of the semi-cente- 
nary anniversary of th© ministerial la- 
bours of the venerable Thomas Pomp, 
of the German Reformed church, of 
this place, on Sunday last, (July 19, 
1846) was an occasion of the most 
gratifying nature to the numerous 
friends of the veteran pastor, and to 
all the friends of religion in this vi- 
cinity. An immense crowd filled the 
spacious building during the exercis- 
es of the day and evening; and the 
appropriate, earnest, and truly spirit- 
ual services by the distinguished cler- 
gj^men who officiated (Rev.Bibighouse, 
Hoffeditz, Becker, Young, Wolff, Rich- 
ards and Diehl,) cannot be lost, but 
it is believed will operate upon many 
for their future good. 

The token of esteem presented by 
the congregation to their pastor, was 
a superb bible, richly bound and moun- 
ted with silver, with a large plate on 
which was engraved, in German, an 
appropriate in^ription. 

The address and reply connected 
with the presentation of the bible, 
were interesting and affecting, and 
the way they reached and took hold 
of the hearts of the people present, 
was the strongest evidence of the 
affection they all entertained for the 
time honored and faithful shepherd. 

The Rev. Thomas Pomp. 

In addition to the short notice taken 
in our paper of the 22d ult. of the re- 
cent semi-centenary jubilee of the 
Rev. Ttiomas Pomp, and which our 
readers no doubt will recollect, we 
take pleasure in presenting the fol- 
lowing statistics, which have since 
tnen been procured and will no doubt 
be read with interest. 

Father Pomp commenced his pasto- 
ral duties in Easton, in the month 
of July, 1796 The congregations then 
composing his ministerial charge, 
were Easton, Dryland, Plainfield and 
Upper Mt. Bethel. After a few years 
it became expedient to form a new 
charge with Mt. Bethel in the centre, 
which led to the separation of that 
congregation from Easton, and to the 
acceptance of a call from the German 
Reformed congregation in Saucon. 
This latter arrangement having con- 
tinued for more than 20 years, and 



the countiy having meanwhile become 
more thickly settled, and consequently 
new churches built in different neigh- 
borhoods, it was necessary for the in- 
terests of religion to make another 
cnange, by which the charge was at 
length limited to the three congrega- 
tions first named, and which now con- 
stitute its parochial bounds. Besides 
discharging regularly the duties of 
pastor in the several congregations 
above named, Mr. Pomp also supplied 
for shorter terms, the congregations 
of Lower Mt. Bethel, Hamilton, and 
more recently of Arndt's church, about 
turee miles west of Easton. 

The following table will show the 
number of baptisms and confirmations 
solemnized in these several congrega- 
tions during the fifty yeai's past: 

In Easton — Baptized 3033, confirmed 
846; in Dryland — baptized 1631, con- 
firmed 1170; in Plainfield — baptized 
195.5, confirmed, 871; in Saucon — 
baptized 723, confirmed 455. 

These added to those administer- 
ed in other congregations supplied, 
make in all, baptized 7616, confirmed, 
3525. 

During this time, also. Father Pomp 
officiated at 1972 weddings, and 1640 
funerals. 

We cannot close this brief article 
without remarking upon the variety 
of scenes of joy and sorrow, through 
which the regular discharge of du- 
ties must have led this venerable pas- 
tor. To wish that his life might be 
spared to him long enough to pass 
through as many more such scenes 
were both unkind and vain. But we 
may wish him, as his best reward for 
duties he performed, the privilege of 
participating in those sacred marriage 
festivities, which are to be interrupt- 
ed by no melancholy funeral knell. 
August 5, 1846. 

Female Seminary. 
The trustees of the Easton Female 
seminary, have great pleasure in in- 
forming the public that its duties will 
be resumed on Monday the 7th day of 
September next, under charge of Mr. 
A. Barker, a graduate of Bowdoin col- 
lege, (who has been appointed princi- 
pal) and his lady; both of whom have 
had much experience in teaching and 
are recommended as eminently quali- 
fied for the work of communicating a 
thorough English course, with the an 
cient and modern language. 

J. M. PORTER, Secretary. 
August 19, 1846. 



189 



Dancing School. 

Mr. F. Stouch proposes to open a 
school for instruction in the accom- 
plishment of dancing at the Fencible's 
hall, on Thursday the 10th inst. 

Days of tuition will be Thursdays 
and Fridays, from 3 to 5 o'clock, p. m. 
for ladies and youth; and from 8 to 
10 o'clock p. m. for gentlemen. 

Mr. S. pledges himself to teach 
the real polka, as it is danced in the 
best circles in Paris and London, as 
well as all other fashionable dances, if 
required. 

Terms $5 for a course of eighteen 
lessons. 

The best references as to qualifica- 
tions, etc., can be given. 
Faston, Pa., Sept. 2, 1846. 



Alexander E. Brown's Princeton Ad- 
dress. 

We have received a pamphlet of 
thirty octavo pages got out in the 
very best style, containing the address 
Oi. our distinguished literary citizen, 
A. E. Brown, Esq., delivered some time 
since before the "Whig and Cliosophic 
Societies of Princeton College." It has 
everywhere been spoken of as a fin- 
ished production. 
Sept. 9, 1846. 



Easton Female Seminary. 

This institution is chartered by the 
Legislature with a view of giving an 
opportunity of imparting to the rising 
generation, a thorough education at 
such a moderate price, as to place it 
within the reach of all The institu- 
tion is not intended to be exclusive, 
but to be as diffusive as public pa- 
tronage can make it. 

The board of trustees consists of 
Rev. John Gray, D. D., president; 
James M. Porter, secretary; John 
Stewart, treasurer; Peter S. Michler; 
Jacob Wagener, Rev. John P. Hecht, 
John J. Burke, James Wilson, John 
Dickson. 

The next term of the seminary will 
commence on the 7th of September, 
1846, under the direction of Mr. Al- 
exander Barker, and his lady, accom- 
plished and experienced teachers from 
New England. 

The seminary building has been 
erected at considerable expense on 
one of the academy lots, comer of Fer- 
mor street and Church alley, directly 
opposite the Easton library. It was 
constructed upon the most approved 
model for health, comfort, and conven- 
ience, and is newly furnished for the 
purpose to which it was built. 



The course of instruction will be 
thorough in all the branches from the 
rauiance of the English, up to a full 
course in ancient and modern lan- 
guages, with all the higher branches 
of an English education, and the us- 
ual female accomplishments, of draw- 
ing, painting, music, needle-work, etc. 

Pupils can be boarded with the prin- 
cipal and his lady, so as to be con- 
stantly under their care. 

The trustees can with confidence re^ 
commend the seminary and the ac- 
complished lady and gentleman at its 
head, to the patronage of the public. 
Besides being entirely competent to 
teach the French — with them it is a 
living language. 

The terms vary from $3 to $8 per 
quarter, including languages, ancient 
and modern. 

Persons desiring to send pupils, 
will address Mr. A. Barker, the prin- 
cipal, Easton, Pa. 

By order of the board of trustees. 
J. GRAY, President. 
Attest — J. M. Porter, Secretary. 
Easton, September 9, 1846. 



The Young Ladies' Institute 

under the charge of Thos. W. Cann, 
as Principal; assisted by Mrs. Cann 
and Miss Godenow, will commence its 
first session in the first week of next 
month, in the house a long time the 
residence of the late Samuel Sit- 
greaves, Esq., on the northeast corner 
of Spring Garden and Pomfret streets. 
Parents residing in the country will 
now have an opportunity of placing 
their daughters in charge of a family 
not only qualified to teach, but anx- 
iously disposed to apply their best ef- 
forts for the good of pupils commit- 
ted to their care, and permanently to 
establish an "Institute" which may de- 
serve and secure the entire approba- 
tion of its patrons and friends. 

Terms are as follows: 
For boarding, washing and tu- 
ition, (including Latin) for 
the session of 23 weeks ....$65 GO 
For music, an extra charge is 

made, per quarter, of 4 00 

For French, do 3 00 

For drawing and painting, do . 3 00 

For embroidery, do 2 00 

If all the "extra" branches are pur- 
sued by the pupil, the charge for the 
v.'hole will be $7 per quarter. 
For day pupils, in the primary 
English branches, per quar- 
ter $3 00 

In the higher branches exclusive 

of "Extras" 5 25 



190 



Plain sewing, If required, will be 
taught without extra charge. 

P. S. Michler, Jacob Wagener, Johi 
Davis, John J. Burke, Charles Innes, 
J. Lachenour, J. P. Hetrlch, Patrons. 

Easton, August 26, 1846. 

Dedication of Temperance Hall. 
The hall of the George Taylor Di- 
vision of the Sons of Temperance was 
dedicated on Wednesday last. The ded- 
icatory address by Philip S. White, 
was admitted by all who heard it to 
be one of the ablest efforts in the 
cause of Temperance ever made in our 
borough. The services in connection 
with the dedication were continued 
by the Rev. i.ir. Hunt, who delivered 
five addresses, at the Methodist 
church, which were well attended. 
The announcement of "Father Hunt" 
as the speaker at a temperance meet- 
ing, is at all times sufiicient to call 
together a large and attentive au- 
dience. 

The weather at the time of the de- 
dication could not have been more un- 
favorable, and many of the neighbor- 
ing divisions, and other friends of the 
order at a distance, as well as some 
of our own citizens, declined turning 
out on account of the rain and muddy 
roads. 

November 18, 1846. 



ceive as many votes in the northeast- 
ern part of the state as we would be 
able to give him. 



FOR GOVERNOR, 
Peter S. Michler, 
OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 
Subject to the decision of the 4th 
of March convention. 
November 25, 1846. 



Peter S. Michler, 

The Jeffersonian at Stroudsburg, 
has the name of Peter S. Michler at 
the head of the editorial columns of 
ine paper, as its choice for the next 
chiei. magistrate of this state. In con- 
nexion with this raov€#nent, the edi- 
tors make the following just and 
gratifying remarks in relation to the 
claims and prospects of our worthy 
neighbor, if placed in nomination by 
tue Whig convention. 

Mr. Michler is a great favorite in 
this section of the country, and can- 
not fail, if nominated, in carrying a 
very large vote. In 1835 he was elect- 
ed to the state senate, from this strong 
Democratic district, by a handsome 
majority. He has a large circle of 
friends, to whom he is endeared by his 
amiable deportment and many good 
qualities — and we are satisfied that no 
other man in Pennsylvania can re- 



"The Whigs of Northampton met in 
county meeting on Monday last, and 
appointed John Shouse, Samuel Yohe 
and Alex.E. Brown, as delegates to the 
state convention; instructed to sup- 
port the nomination of Peter S. 
Michler, of that county, as the Whig 
candidate for governor. 

Mr. Michler represented that dis- 
trict in the State Senate a few years 
ago, with credit and ability. He is a 
plain, common sense, business man; 
and every way well qualified for the 
oflice for which his constituents have 
nominated him. — (Harrisburg Intelli- 
gencer). 



Pennsylvania Regiment. 

The Pennsylvania regiment of Vol- 
unteers, required for the war, con- 
sists of the following companies, viz: 

Company A — Wa;Shington Artille- 
ry, of Philadelphia, Captain F. W. 
Binder. 

Company B — City Guards, of Phil- 
adelphia, Captain Joseph Hill. 

Company C — Philadelphia Light 
Guards, Captain John Bennet. 

Company D — Wyoming Artiller- 
ists, of Wilkesbarre, Captain Edward 
L. Dana. 

Company E — Washington Artil- 
lery, of Pottsville, Captain Jam-.d Na- 
gle. 

Company F — Duquesne Guards, of 
Pittsburg, Capt. John Herron. 

Company G — Jackson Independent 
Blues, of Pittsburg, Captain Alexan- 
der Hay. 

Company H — Monroe Guards, of 
Philadelphia, Capt. William Small. 

Company I — Cadwallader Greys, 
of Philadelphia, Capt. R. K. Scott. 

Company K — Jefferson Guards, of 
Philadelphia, Capt. T. G. Moorhead. 

It will be seen by the above that 
Philadelphia has the honor of fur- 
nishing six companies of the regi- 
ment; Pittsburg, two; Pottsville, one; 
and Wilkesbarre, one. These compa- 
nies have all started to the rendez- 
vous at Pitteburg, where they will be 
immediately mustered into the ser- 
vice of the United States. 

Six of the patriotic young men of 
this place have volunteered for the 
war, and enrolled themselves at Wil- 
kesbarre, in Company D. They are 
good specimens of patriotism and 
zeal, and when properly disciplined, 



191 



will give a good account of themselves 
if called into action. In a letter from 
one of the Easton Volunteers, dated 
Wilkesbarre, December 6, is the fol- 
lowing: 

"We leave here to-morrow for Pitts- 
burg. The citizens of Wilkesbarre 
have treated us with the greatest 
kindness, which will long be remem- 
bered with gratitude. Yesterday we 
attended divine service in the Presby- 
terian church, and heard an able and 
spiritual address, after which the con- 
gregation presented each soldier with 
a neat pocket bible. 

It is stated in the Pottsville papers 
that the people of that borough raised 
about $2000 for the relief of their com- 
pany and their families. Beside this, 
one of Allen's Revolving Pistols was 
presented to each officer and private 
of the company. This whole proceed- 
ing is nobly generous. 

A considerable subscription has al- 
so been raised in Philadelphia, for the 
relief of the city companies and such 
of the families of the privates as may 
be left destitute. 

It is not expected that these troops, 
which may reach Point Isabel by the 
first or middle of January, will take 
the field for active service, for some 
time to come — at least until they are 
thoroughly drilled. 

December 16, 1846. 



Another Regiment. 

Pennsylvania has been called upon 
by the United States government for 
another regiment of volunteers for the 
Mexican war. The troops are to ren- 
dezvous at Pittsburg by the fifth of 
January next. They will be required 
to serve until the end of the war. 

About one-half the number of compa- 
nies required to fill up the regiment, 
have already expressed their readi- 
ness, to march from the city of Phil- 
adelphia. From all accounts the reg- 
iment will soon be mustered, and if 
the volunteers from the interior are 
not active, they will be cut out of all 
the honors. 

When the war was first spoken of 
tne shrill trumpet was sounded 
through our streets and quite a flour- 
ish made by some of our brave fellows 
— but when the secertary of war made 
his requisition upon the governor, a 
death like chill was produced — the 
nerves wonderfully relaxed. The 
Guards, the Fencibles, the Sharpshoot- 
ers, the Rangers, the Easton Rifles, 
and all, were at once annihilated. This 
will not do — where is the spirit which 
animated the citizen-soldiers of North. 



ampton in 1812? They were then in the 
van, and we believe there is enough 
of the right stuff left among our young 
men for a few crack companies — if 
they could only be drummed up. 
December 23, 1846. 



Volunteers for Mexico. 
The following is a copy of the notice 
published by Captain Spering. The 
roll of the corps is rapidly filling up, 
and as soon as it reaches the number 
required, it is said, they will certainly 
be accepted — and go. Our brave boys 
under the command of such an ex- 
perienced officer as Charles F. Spering 
will perform their duty creditably.and 
be an honor to old Northampton. 



"Easton Guards." 

The young men of Northampton and 
the adjoining counties, who desire to 
join a volunteer infantry company 
called '"The Easton Guards" and to 
serve during the existing war with 
Mexico, are informed that rolls can 
be found at the hotels of David Con- 
ner and Peter Bellis, and at the resi- 
dence of Sergeant Everhart 

As information has been received 
which gives undoubted assurance that 
the services of this company will be 
accepted, as soon as the ranks are fill- 
ed, persons intending to join it, are 
requested to do so forthwith, in order 
that the rolls may be transmitted, 
without delay, to headquarters. 

It is expected that none will enroll 
themselves, except such as are de- 
termined to march whenever required; 
to perform their duty promptly and 
cheerfully; and to deport themselves 
on all occasions, so as to reflect no dis- 
credit upon the character of the citi- 
zen soldier. 

CHARLES F. SPERING, Capt. 
Easton, January 20, 1847. 

(Conner's hotel — the American — oc- 
cupied the site where the Drake build- 
ing now stands, and Bellis' — the 
Washington — on the same side of the 
street a few doors south of Ferry 
street.) 

The Easton Guards. 

The grand jury while in Jssion last 
week recommended to the ^ounty com- 
missioners to appropriate $1000 out of 
the county treasury, to aid and sup- 
port the above company, should they 
be accepted by the national govern- 
ment for the Mexican war. 

At a large and enthusiastic meeting 
subsequently held at the court house. 



192 



to advocate the same object, Alexan- 
der E. Brown, Esq., delivered an able 
address. The meeting appointed the 
following ward committees to solicit 
subscriptions from the citizens of Eas- 
ton: 

Lehigh ward, west side Pomfret 
street — Charles E. Weygandt, Peter 
Bellis, John Davis. 

Lehigh ward, east side — Thomas 
Sletor, Fred Seitz. Joseph Stabp. 

Bushkill ward, west side — D. W. 
Butz, Samuel Yohe, John Dickson. 

Bushkill ward, east side — Anthony 
McCoy, J. Maxwell, John Dawes. 
January 27, 1847. 



Fifteen Valuable Building Lots for 
Sale. 

The subscriber will sell at the tav- 
ern of Peter Woodring, in the village 
of Stockertown, on Thursday, the 18th 
of February instant, at ten o'clock in 
the forenoon, fifteen lots, all hand- 
somely located. 

No. 1 — Contains 2 acres and 124 
perches, on which is erected a double 
two story stone house in good order, 
and well calculated for a store or any 
other public business, also a barn, 
wagon house, and other outbuildings. 
On this lot is an excellent water-pow- 
er, furnished by the Bushkill creek, 
by which it is bounded, and will make 
an excellent stand for a mill, distill- 
ery, or any other machinery. The 
other fourteen lots contain from one 
to eight acres each, and will be di- 
vided and sold to suit purchasers. 
Thirteen of the lots are bounded by 
the road leading from Easton through 
Stockertown to Wind Gap; the other 
two front on the road leading from 
Stockertown to Mount Bethel. Eight 
or ten acres of these lots are excellent 
watered meadow land. 

The above lots are divided and 
handsomely laid off on a draft, but 
will be sold together or separate, to 
suit purchasers. JACOB ABEL. 

Stockertown, February 10, 1847. 



The Ten Regiments. 
Captain Spering's company of "Eas- 
ton Guards," it appears, will not have 
the honor of forming a part of the ten 
regiments about to be added to the 
army. It is stated that the war depart- 
ment will accept one regiment from 
this state, and we see no good reason 
why the "Guards" should have been 
rejected. It certainly will not be fill- 
ed up with better soldiers. 
The other nine regiments will be call- 
ed from the following states: New 



York and New Jersey, one regiment; 
from Rhode Island, one company; 
Maine, three; New Hampshire, two; 
Connecticut, two; Vermont,two; mak- 
ing one regiment from New England; 
from Maryland, four companies; Dela- 
ware, one; Ohio will furnish one entire 
regiment; North Carolina, South Caro- 
lina and Virginia, conjointly will fur- 
nish one. Three companies will be 
called from Illinois. The mounted regi- 
ment will be raised in Kentucky and 
Tennessee. 

Feoruary 24, 1847. 

Death of Easton's Richest Citizen of 
the Times. 

DIED — In this borough on Wednes- 
day morning, the 3rd instant (March 
1847,) Mr. Peter Miller, in the 81st 
year of his age. His remains were 
consigned to the tomb on Saturday 
afternoon last, at St. John's burial 
ground, at which time thousands of 
friends were congregated to witness 
the funeral rites of one who had for 
years filled so large a space in the 
minds of this community. Animated 
by religious hope, this venerable 
man sank gently into the arms of 
death, and passed away, but his mem- 
ory will be cherished by the indigent 
widow and orphan for many ages to 
come. 

Mr. Miller settled in this place at 
the age of about twenty years, and 
entered into mercantile business 
which he pursued with diligence and 
success for sixty years, during which 
time he amassed a large fortune. 

He was not connected by membership 
to any church, which was perhaps ow- 
ing to a Quaker influence contracted 
in early life by his association with 
the society of Friends of the city of 
Philadelphia, but was a regular wor- 
shipper and liberal supporter of the 
various religious and benevolent oper- 
ations of the day. 

In his social relations he was some- 
what peculiar. He was never married 
— lost his parents and an only sister 
in early life, had no other connections 
and few intimate friends, but was un- 
iversally esteemed as an intelligent 
r-id refined gentleman. 

In disposing of his vast estate, which 
some represent as nearly half a mil- 
lion of dollars, he did not bestow 
any amount worth mentioning upon in- 
dividuals, very likely inferring that 
as he by industry and economy had 
made more than a living, others might 
do the same, but bequeathed all to 
the support of the poor and aged. 



193 



By the will, executors, trustees and 
agents are appointed. None of the 
real estate, stocks or other property 
to be sold. Bequeaths the interest of 
$5,000 to the "Benevolent Society of 
the German Reformed congregation of 
Easton," and the like sum to the "Be- 
nevolent Society of St. John's Luther- 
an church of Easton" — the trustees to 
pay over the interest semi-annually. 
j.ne annual proceeds of the remainder 
of the estate to go to improvements 
and repairs of the real estate, and the 
erection of an asylum for infirm wid- 
ows, single women and orphans. The 
asylum to be erected in the borough 
of Easton, and to be under the direc- 
tion and management of the German 
Reformed and St. John's Lutheran 
churches of Easton. 



Glorious News from the Army. 

To the exclusion of nearly every 
tiling else, we give full particulars of 
the engagement at Buena Vista and 
the investment of Vera Cruz. General 
^ ay lor, notwithstanding the great 
odds against him, has gained another 
brilliant battle and added another 
wreath to the laurels that before 
adorned his brow. General Scott, too, 
is doing the country noble service at 
Vera Cruz. In a few days we may 
expect to hear that the celebrated cas- 
tle of San Juan d' Ulloa and the city 
of Vera Cruz have fallen. 



The Victory — Old Rough and Ready. 
Some of our patriotic citizens re- 
paired to South Easton on Monday af- 
ternoon and brought over the "Baby 
Waker," and gave us some loud de- 
monstrations of rejoicing from Mount 
Jefferson. In the evening a meeting 
of the citizens was held at the court 
house to show that they appreciate 
the gallant doings of General Taylor, 
and nominated him as the Whig can- 
didate for the next presidency. 
April 7, 1847. 



The Illumination. 

The rejoicing of our citizens on Fri- 
day evening last, for the success of 
our arms at the battles of Buena Vis- 
ta, Vera Cruz and other well fought 
fields, where the odds were fearfully 
against our armies, was spirited and 
brilliant. Private dwellings, with one 
or two exceptions, were illuminated. 
The manifestations of rejoicing as pre- 
scribed by the resolutions of the town 
meeting, were carried out in a credit- 
able manner by our patriotic citizens. 
The procession of the fire companies 



added much to the interest of the 
scene. The court house, county offic- 
es, the college, hotels and temperance 
hall, made a beautiful appearance. 
Handsome transparencies, represent- 
ing Captain May's charge at Palo Al- 
to, and a full sized figure of "Old 
Rough and Ready," were displayed at 
Connor's and Whitesell's hotels. The 
beautiful appearance of the illumina- 
tion of the "Office of the Whig," and 
dwelling house in which it is located, 
was greatly increased by a lai'ge trans- 
parency representing the hero at Chip- 
pewa and Vera Cruz with his spirited 
charger. The first two paintings 
were executed by Mr. Moon, and the 
latter by Mr. William Cottingham. 
Great praise is due these artists for 
the very creditable manner in which 
they were got up at a very short no- 
tice. 

It was well perhaps that the resolu- 
tion to illuminate all the private hous- 
es in the borough was negatived at the 
public meeting. We had about two 
hundred lights burning, and the heat 
which they caused, and the conse- 
quent melting of tallow, required the 
greatest care to prevent a conflagra- 
tion. 

We have now rejoiced at the success 
of our arms and the bravery of our of- 
ficers and soldiers. Our victories, it 
is hoped, will put a stop to human 
butchery, and that an honorable peace 
will soon be proclaimed. This is anx- 
iously prayed for by every good citi- 
zen, and the event will call for the 
most sincere rejoicing. If it should be 
celebrated by a general lighting up, 
we would advise all to procure the 
"laylor Candle" for the illumination, 
as they are warranted "not to run!" 
April 21, 1847. 



Easton Female Seminary. 

The summer session of this institu- 
tion will commence on Tuesday, May 
1?, inst. 

Terms — English bran,ches, com- 
prising arithmetic, geogra- 
phy, English grammar, first 
lessons in philosophy, orthog- 
raphy and reading and vocal 

music $4 00 

Pupils under ten years of age . . 2 50 
Higher branches in addition to 
the above — Algebra, geometry, 
elements of drawing, rhetoric 
astronomy, history, botanjy, 
philosophy, physiology and 

chemistry 6 00 

Instrumental music 6 00 

Drawing and painting, each 2 00 



194 



Latin 2 00 

French 2 00 

CHAS. F. THURSTON, Principal. 

Easton, May 12, 1847. 



Odd Fellows' Hall in the Borough of 
Easton. 

On Saturday afternoon last, (June 
12, 1847,) the corner stone of this 
building was laid with appropriate 
ceremonies. The different lodges of 
Odd Fellows in our vicinity were mar- 
shaled at 2 o'clock p. m. arrayed in 
their regalia, and marched in proces- 
sion through the principal streets of 
the town, accompanied with the mu- 
sic of the Easton band. They arrived 
about three o'clock p. m. at the site 
of the hall, where suitable arrange- 
ments had been made for their re- 
ception, seats prepared for the la- 
dies, and other veterans all in readi- 
ness. 

The ceremonies were then opened 
with prayer by the Rev. Joshua Rog- 
ers, after which the corner stone was 
laid by W. M'Cartney, Esq., who de- 
posited in it for the iDenefit of poster- 
ity divers records and articles, among 
which were: 1 — Copies of each of the 
newspapers published in the borough. 
2. Copies of the Ledger and Pennsyl- 
vanian, published in Philadelphia. 3. 
A copy of the first newspaper pub- 
lished in California. 4. The Hong 
Kong Register, published in China. 
5. The constitution of the grand lodge 
of Pennsylvania and of the several 
lodges of this vicinity. 6. The annual 
message of the governor of Pennsyl- 
vania, for A. D. 1847. 7. The annual 
messages of the president of the 
United States for 1845 and 1846. 8. 
The constitution of the United States. 
9. The last will and testament of Peter 
Miller, deceased. 10. A letter to pos- 
terity, giving them our compliments 
and some good advice. 11. A copy of 
the Holy Bible. 12. The constitution 
of the George Taylor Division of the 
Sons of Temperance. These and sev- 
eral other articles were placed in a 
zinc box, which was then deposited in 
a receptacle prepared in the corner 
stone, a marble slab was placed over 
the opening and fixed solid with ce- 
ment, and the corner stone was then 
laid to its place, containing within 
itself material enough to illuminate 
and govern all future generations. 

An appropriate address was then 
delivered by the Rev. C. C. Burr, ex- 
planatory of the principles and ob- 
jects of Odd Fellowship, and the au- 



dience dismissed by a benediction 
from Rev. Joshua Rogers. 

The afternoon was beautiful and 
clear and highly favorable to the cere- 
mony. The Easton band produced its 
most exquisite music. All present 
seemed well pleased, and the affair 
went off in much good feeling and har- 
mony. 



Died. 



In Wiliams township, on Wednes- 
day, the ISth instant, Mrs. Lesh, aged 
102 years. The deceased was the wid- 
ow of Abraham Lesh, a soldier of the 
Revolution, who died about sixty years 
ago. 

Death of Capt. Niles. — The Missou- 
ri Reporter, announces the death of 
Captain Franklin Niles, who com- 
manded a company of Volunteers from 
Madison county in that state. He died 
on the 24th ult. when on his way to 
Santa Fe, at 110 Creek, after a sick- 
ness of only three days. Mr. Niles 
was formerly of this place, where he 
has left many warm friends and rel- 
atives. His young widow and two or- 
phan children are now in Easton. 
August 25, 1847. 



A Visit to Easton. 

"Easton stands on classic soil," said 
I to my friend B, who left me upon an 
eminence behind the Old Academy 
from which we could overlook the 
whole town. 

"It is more than classic," said he 
"it is consecrated soil!" "How so?" 
I anxiously inquired, looking up at him 
to see whether there were any marks 
of a romancing tendency to be seen in 
his countenance. "Consecrated soil?" 
My friend looked at me as if he aid 
not know whether dullness or ignor- 
ance was the source of my difficulty. 

"Why," he continued with a look 
of surprise, "this is the Forks of 
the Delaware!" Well, thought I, how 
do the forks of the Delaware differ 
from any other forks?" 

"This is the place where the Rev. 
David Brainerd, of blessed memory, 
preached to the Indians 103 years ago 
— yonder is the spot where he built 
his hut." His eye brightened! 

Now the matter was clear. That 
Brainerd had preached to the Indians 
on the Forks of the Delaware I knew, 
but that Easton was in the Forks of 
the Delaware I did not know. Be- 
sides, it would not naturally occur to 
strangers that it was any more the 
forks of the Delaware than the forks 
of the Lehigh, for it is in the junction 



195 



of these two rivers; the Lehigh looks 
just as much like deserving the prom- 
inence as the Delaware, and besides 
all this, the two rivers flow together 
in such a manner as to make a queer 
fork. All this to defend myself against 
the charge of historical dullness. 

Well now, when I saw the spot 
where his cabin stood a short distance 
above us on the west bank of the Del- 
aware, I had to acknowledge that it 
was consecrated ground. Yes, that 
spot was no more common to me. In 
spite of my philosophy, I felt like ta- 
ing off my hat! Don't be alarmed, dear 
reader, I did not take it off; it was 
only a strange feeling that came 
over me. But then there's no use of 
talking, for your mind runs immedi- 
ately on sacred places, relics, Pusey- 
ism. Popery, and such like misty 
things. Then let it rest. Ehough, 
God and Brainerd pitched their tents 
there in 1744. 

What changes in a hundred years! 
In May, 1744, this man of God "trav- 
elled across the woods, from the Hud- 
son to the Delaware, about a hundred 
miles through a desolate and hideous 
country, where were very few settle- 
ments; in which journey he suffered 
much fatigue and hardship." Now, 
let one stand upon the high rock on 
the opposite side of the Lehigh and 
cast his eyes around and remember 
that 100 years ago all he sees north- 
ward for perhaps 25 miles was "hid- 
eous wilderness," through which a 
"melancholy and disconsolate" strang- 
er passed with those words of salva- 
tion which are now so abundantly 
preached in all that country — this will 
give him some idea of the change 
which 100 years have wrought. 

Let any one on a Sabbath morning 
in Easton, listen to the chime of 
church bells, and see the streets lin- 
ed with persons going towards the 
house of God, seeming to say 

In Zion let us all appear 

And keep the solemn day. 

Then let him take the "Life of Brain- 
erd" and read on the 92nd page, an 
account of the first Sabbath which he 
spent in the Forks of the Delaware, 
and see whether he will not find grate- 
ful feelings arise in his bosom. Here 
it is: "Lord's day. May 13, (1744) — 
Rose early; felt very poorly after my 
long journey, and after being wet and 
fatigued. Was very melancholy; have 
scarcely ever seen such a gloomy 
morning in my life; there appears to 
be no Sabbath; the children are all at 
play; I, a stranger in the wilderness. 



and know not where to go; and all 
circumstances seemed to conspire to 
render my affairs dark and discourag- 
ing." So far dark enough, I cannot 
quote all. 

If this devoted servant of God were 
now to come to the Forks of the Dela- 
ware, he would have no reason to com- 
plain that there "appears to be no 
Sabbath," for tnere appears to be one 
there now; nor owuld he say, "I know 
not where to go," he would find many 
Christian hearts open for his reception 
and comfort. 

Easton, then, is consecrated ground. 
Brainerd frequently says in his jour- 
nal, that he retired into the woods for 
prayer. There is perhaps not a spot 
about Easton that has not been con- 
secrated by his prayers and tears. 
And there too were the "angels en- 
camped around" the Missionary, 
Brainerd; and in a peculiar manner 
has that spot been honored, too, with 
the presence of Him who said "Lo! 
I am with you always, even to the end 
of the world." 

The people of Easton seem still to 
honor the religion which Brainerd pre- 
scribed. The churches are large cost- 
ly, convenient and for the most part 
tasteful. The steeple of the German 
Reformed church is the highest, (180 
feet) as well as the most architectu- 
ral. It points silently to heaven from 
the din and bustle of busy streets. 
The churches are the most ornamental 
buildings in the place. So ought it be. 
'i i.Q people there seem not to have the 
foolish and sinful notion of some that 
anything is good enough for a church. 
The communion meeting, which it was 
my privilege to attend with the Ger- 
man Reformed congregation, was in- 
teresting and solemn. The attendance 
at church was good — the attendance 
at the regular prayer meeting was so 
small! Ah! when is this not the case? 
This is one fault, we might perhaps 
find more if we were bent on that, 
but this one will do to save me from 
the charge of fiattery, if I should say 
something in their praise. The con- 
gregation is large, the church is well 
furnished, and the audience is atten- 
tive and apparently devout; and, what 
is not the least, the music is excellent. 
Oh how it aids in elevating the heart 
to God. Why is so little attention 
paid to this part of worship in our 
cnurches? No doubt, if there was 
more heaven in the hearts of Christ- 
ians, there would be more music on 
their tongues. 

The last column of the Messenger 



196 



keeps an account of the liberality of 
this congregation, so that I need not 
record it. I must mention, however, 
that they gave me some handsome 
present towards furnishing the new 
German Reformed church in Lewis- 
burg. Among others a • very pretty 
yellow $5 gold piece founds its way 
modestly into my hands. I have under- 
stood that it was froiv. a lady. Among 
tne roll was also a pretty bill, wrapped 
up in a paper, on which was written 
the name of the family from which it 
came. This name it is not necessary 
to record here. I have laid it up for 
long remembrance in a better place. 
The other presents neither small nor 
few, are to me without name or date. 
Thanks to them all. 

In conclusion, I must mention that 
I had the pleasure of becoming ac- 
quainted with the Rev. Father Pomp, 
and his family. He has been for 51 
years pastor of that church, and still 
pastor of the German part. Rev. J. H. 
A. Bomberger, being English pastor. 
On his parlor table lies the beautiful 
silver plated bible which was pre- 
sented to him on the 50th anniversary 
of his ministry among them, by the 
congregation; "Ztim Andenken!" The 
last of his generation, with how much 
satisfaction can he look back upon 
his eventful ministry, and with what 
gratitude must his heart be filled on 
the review of a life, the labors of 
which have been so richly blessed! 
May the Lord smooth the pillow of his 
declining years. 

(Weekly Messenger, Rev. H. Har- 
bach, September, 1847.) 



In my earlier sketches I made fre- 
quent reference to Daniel L. Green, a 
famous "Doctor," who cured by faith 
or physic as the patient elected. 
Death of Dr. Green. 

We learn from Reading, that Dr. 
Daniel L. Green, for many years a 
resident of this borough, died at that 
place on Thursday last, (September 
23, 1847) after a short illness. The 
doctor was an eccentric character, and 
will not soon be forgotten by his num- 
ei'ous acquaintances. He was consid- 
ered the founder of the cold water 
system, and the father of the Tem- 
perance Societies. 



Sketches in Eastern Pennsylvania. 

Easton and vicinity — Scenery on the 
Delaware — Lafayette College — Scene 
of Brainerd's labors — fate of the In- 
dians — a prediction. 

Mr. Editor — May not a man who is 



confined in this cage of a city for 
some forty weeks of the year, who has 
a little liberty in the summer,to stray 
beyond these brick walls, be pardoned 
for being a little garrulous when he 
gets back again, especially if he dis- 
penses with his garrulity for the re- 
mainder of the year? I think so. At 
any rate, I have made up my mind to 
talk a little about my summer ram- 
blings, with your kind permission. It 
is quite surprising to me that so little 
is known in New York of the objects 
of interest for an excursion in and 
about the pretty borough of Easton, 
Pennsylvania. I spent some weeks of 
the past summer there and I am sure 
1 have seldom found a more delight- 
ful retreat from the city — one which 
combines so many and varied attrac- 
tions. 

The route to Easton is by railroad 
as far as Somerville N. J. and thence 
by stage. It is but a short day's ride. 
The village of Easton — it is a borough 
now; we must not forget these titles — 
was laid otit by William Penn himself, 
and is as regular as the compass can 
make it. It is a Philadelphia in min- 
iature. 
A great portion of the inhabitants are 
descendants of Germans. This you do 
not need to be told, as you walk the 
streets of Easton. You can see proof 
enough to the fact. 

There are some eight or nine houses 
of worship, the prevailing denomin- 
ations being Lutheran, German Re- 
formed, Presbyterian and Methodist. 

Lafayette College is situated on a 
hill overlooking the village. It com- 
mands one of the most charming and 
extensive prospects imaginable. 

The Rev. Dr. Junkin is President 
of this institution, and it has a very 
good reputation. The college is reach- 
ed directly by two hundred and twenty- 
five steps, and by a more circuitous 
route lessi steep and accessible to 
carriages. On this hill is a fine view 
of the village, and of the country a- 
round for many miles in extent. The 
Delaware is a noble stream, and 
from this point its beauty is best seen. 
It winds gracefully and wildly among 
the hills, now exhibiting its face with 
unnumbered trees, and then hiding 
iis features behind some bold promon- 
tory of rock. The Lehigh here joins 
the Delaware. So does the Bushkill. 
The latter is a smaller stream, but it 
adds not a little to the attraction of 
the landscape from the surrounding 
hills. 

By ascending some hundred feet or 



197 



more above and behind the eminence 
on which the college stands, we reach 
Chestnut Hill, from which we have by 
far the most extensive view. This 
site commands a prospect of the Del- 
aware Water Gap, twenty-two miles 
distance, the Lehigh Water Gap, the 
Wind Gap, and the little village of 
Nazareth, with the Blue Mountains on 
the one side, and the less distant hills 
of New Jersey on the other, for a 
background. Here one may gaze for 
hours without being weary. The view 
resembles somewhat one from Mount 
Washington, in the vicinity of Bash- 
bish Falls; but the former is finer 
in this respect, that it takes in every 
point of the compass, while the latter 
is limited to little more than half the 
circle. 

But there are other circumstances 
connected with Easton, which render 
it a place of interest; and to the 
Christian familiar with history, there 
are associations interwoven with these 
circumstances which will ever ren- 
der the spot peculiarly dear to his 
heart. Here are the "Forks of the 
Delaware". Here was the center of 
the sphere of early missionary oper- 
ations among the red men of Pennsyl- 
vania. Here David Brainerd, the holy 
me self-denying, the heavenly-minded 
Brainerd made his home. The humble 
dwelling where he lived, while imitat- 
ing the example of his blessed master- 
— he went about doing good— is now 
standing, and the noble sycamore 
trees under which that godly man 
taught the sons of the forest how to 
live and how to aie, still welcome 
the stranger to rest awhile under 
their shadows, to commune with the 
past, to endeavor to catch the spirit 
of that missionary, so eminently the 
spirit of Christ. 

Brainerd went to his rest when only 
thirty years of age. He was a feeble 
man in body; but oh, what a soul; 
How like Paul's was his brief career 
after the Spirit of God breathed in- 
to him the breath of a new life! Ho 
was taken ill, and returned to Nor 
thampton, Mass. weary of his toils. 

Here in the family of the illustrious 
Edwards, his devoted friend and spiri 
tual father, he remained awhile, hop- 
ing to gain strength sufflciert to jus- 
tify his return to his home in the 
wilderness. But he did not tarry long 
under that roof. Though nursed with 
all a parents' and sister's tenderness, 
he could not stay. Angels came for 
him, and he smiled as he said farewell 
and went with them to heaven. Had 



not his spirit too much of purity, too 

much of heaven in it, for a world so 

full of dross of sin? It may be so, it 

seems so. 

"The good die first, 

While they whose hearts are dry as 

summer dust. 
Burn to the socket." 

Is not this as true in sentiment 
as it is beauitful in poetic imagery. 
Brainerd has long been in heaven; 
and if privileged to look down upon 
the scenes of this lower world, as the 
providence of God has developed suc- 
cessive acts in the great moral drama 
of earth, has doubtless seen much cal- 
culated to gladden the heart of the 
disciple of Christ; but, were these 
sighing in Heaven, Brainerd's heart 
must have sighed as he witnessed the 
sorrows of that race to whose spirit- 
ual interests, with all the ardor of his 
enthusiastic soul, he devoted his life. 
Where are now those noble minded, 
chivalrous children of nature, that 
then called the wild forests of Penn- 
sylvania their own? What have we 
done with them? Methinks I hear the 
voice of the Lord God in these beauti- 
ful fields, covered with a golden har- 
vest, and amid yonder dwellings, full 
to overflowing with the riches of this 
world — methinks I hear the words 
"Where is Abel thy brother?" 

Full of tender, melancholy, poetic 
interest, is the history of the red man. 
There was a great comet in the latter 
part of the sixteenth century. The 
month of October, 1580, will ever be 
memorable on this account Many 
minds less superstitious than those of 
the ignorant natives regarded it with 
fearful forebodings. These periodical 
visitors were not so well understood 
then as they have come to be now. 
Some one asked a sachem, the head 
man of one of the tribes of the Dela- 
ware, what was the meaning of this 
mysterious stranger. "It signifies," 
said the old man, gravely and solemn- 
ly, 'it signifies that our people shall 
melt away like' the snow in spring, 
and this counti-y be inhabited by an- 
other race." How remarkably has this 
prediction been verified! 

F. C. W. 
October 27, 1847.- 



Died. 
In this borough on Sunday night, 
the 24th instant, after a short illness, 
Absalom Reeder, Esq, in the S6th year 
of his age. In this death another of 
the few remaining veterans of the 
Revolutionary War has departed. In 



198 



his youth he volunteered in the New 
Jersey line, and aided in our struggles 
with Great Britain. He settled in this 
place soon after the war, and enter- 
ed into mercantile pursuits, in which 
he was much esteemed for prompt 
and correct business habits. In pri- 
vate life he was a useful and respect- 
ed citizen — as a Christian, highly ex- 
emplary, and the church of which he 
was a member, as well as the religious 
community around, have sustained a 
loss in his removal from time, to re- 
ceive his reward in Heaven. 
October 27, 1847. 



of Mexico, after a severe and protract- 
ed illness. 
November 24, 1847. 



Died. 



In this place, on Friday, the 12th 
instant, Peter Samuel, after a linger- 
ing illness. The deceased was a na- 
tive of Bucks county, and served as 
a soldier during the Revolutionary 
war. He was bom in the year 1761. 
His funeral took place on Sunday af- 
ternoon, last, and a sermon preached 
on the occasion by the Rev. J. H. A. 
Bomberger of the German Reformed 
church. 
November 17, 1847. 



Deaths in -the Army. 
LIEUT. BENJAMIN YARD. — We 
have received the melancholy intelli- 
gence of the death of Benjamin Yard, 
who was for several yeai's a citizen of 
our borough, and has left many rela- 
tives and friends amongst us. He left 
Trenton, New Jersey, last spring as 
second lieutenant in Joseph A. Yard's 
company, but was afterwards trans- 
ferred from it to Captain Tompkin's 
company. Tenth regiment, U. S. infan- 
try. He was taken with the yellow fe- 
ver on the 16th and died on the 20th of 
October last. He was buried on the 
21st, at Fort Brown, opposite Matamo- 
ras, where rest the remains of hund- 
reds of our best men, who fell victims 
to the folly and ambition of our ru- 
lers. 

LIEUT. JAMES M'KEEN. — This 
excellent young man and brave sold- 
ier also fell a victim to the diseases 
of the Mexican climate, at the city of 
Pueblo. He marched from Mauch 

Chunk with the patriotic and brave 
Captain Miller, of the Stockton's, who 
was severely wounded, and has leave 
to return to his friends, who reside at 
South Baston, where also reside the 
parents of the lamented McKeen, 
whose devotion to the cause of his 
country sanctifies his remembrance. 

LIEUT. WILLIAM WUNDER. of the 
Reading Artillerists, died in the city 



Captain Miller and the Late Lieut. 
McKeen. 
In perusing the proceedings of 
council, as published in their official 
organ, we were gratified to find that 
measures will be taken to give Cap- 
tain Miller, of the Stockton Artiller- 
ists, on his arrival here, a public re- 
ception for his patriotic conduct in 
Mexico. We extract the preamble 
and resolutions adopted by council in 
this matter, as well as those passed 
by the same body in relation to the 
great loss sustained in the death of 
Lieut. McKeen: 

Whereas, It is understood that Cap- 
tain James Miller, of the Second reg- 
iment of Pennsylvania Volunteers in 
the service of the United States, in 
Mexico, is about to visit this place, 
in which the greater part of his life 
was spent, and it is due to him, that 
he should be received with respect, 
due to his gallantry, and distinguished 
merit. 

Therefore, Resolved, that measures 
be taken by the constituted authorities 
of the borough, and by the citizens, 
to give him a proper reception. 

Resolved, That a committee be ap- 
pointed to make the necessary ar- 
rangements for the purpose and if ne- 
cessary enlarge their number from the 
body of the citizens. 

Whereas, It has pleased Divine Pro- 
vidence to remove by death James Mc- 
Keen, Jun., Esq., lieutenant and quar- 
ter master of the Second Pennsylvania 
regiment of Volunteers, in the service 
of the United States in Mexico, late 
a member of the Bar of this county, 
and who was long a citizen of this 
vicinity, in the prime of life, and in 
the midst of usefulness, whilst gallant- 
ly sustaining the cause of his country. 

Therefore ,Resolved, That the town 
council of the borough of Easton sym- 
pathize with the family and friends of 
the deceased in the loss which they 
have sustained in this gallant and mer- 
itorious officer, and that the president 
of council be instructed to communi- 
cate to them the expression of the 
high regard entertained for his mem- 
ory, and their deep sympathy in this 
efiective dispensation." 
December 1, 1847. 



Capt. James Miller. 
This distinguished Individual ar- 
rived in our town yesterday. He was 



199 



very handsomely and warmly received 
by the town council and citizens of 
this place. 

The committee of arrangements 
rode out in the morning, and met 
him at Seip's tavern, on the Mauch 
Chunk road, as did the marshals and 
a large number of citizens in carriag- 
es and on horseback, to receive and es- 
cort him to town. 

The Easton Fencibles under the com- 
mand of Lieutenant Taylor, several of 
the fire companies, and citizens m 
carriages and on horseback, were 
formed in procession by Assistant 
Marshal D. W. Butz, and received him 
on the top of the hill. The procession 
then marched through the several 
streets, enlivened with excellent mar- 
tial music — the sweet strains of the 
Easton Brass band — the ringing of 
bells — firing of cannon, and the re- 
peated huzzas of the multitude. 

When the cavalcade arrived in the 
square, the gallant captain was re- 
ceived by the chief burgess in a neat, 
appropriate and highly creditable ad- 
dress, to which Captain Miller replied 
in the style of a true hearted sol- 
dier. He gave a brief history of his 
corps and the regiment to which it is 
attached from the time of entering 
the service up to the capture of the 
city of Mexico, and was heartily cheer- 
ed, whilst speaking, by the thousands 
who had collected around the stage. 
At the close of the address nine cheers 
were given for our gallant townsman, 
who was then conducted to the Amer- 
ican hotel, where he was handsomely 
enteitfined and received the congrat- 
ulations of his friends. 

The day was highly favourable for 
the reception, and Chief Marshal Mil- 
ler, and the committee of arrange- 
ments, deserve much praise for the 
highly creditable manner in which the 
affair was got up and conducted. 

Our paper was going to press about 
the Liiie the reception was closing, 
and we are obliged to be brief in this 
notice, but will give more full partic- 
ulars in our next. 
December 22, 1847. 

Jam^s McKeen, above referred to 
graduated at Lafayette in 1841, wa3 
admitted to the bar and located at 
Mauch Chunk, where he entered the 
service of the United States in the 
Mexican war, was taken sick at the 
siege of Pueblo and died after a brief 
illness. , 

James Miller served as a volunteer 
soldier in two wars. When hostili- 
ties with Mexico opened he promptly 



recruited troops and won distinction 
as a brave and efBcient ofiicer through- 
out the campaign, serving in one of the 
regiments which followed General 
Scott, and at its close was commis- 
sioned captain for meritorious servic- 
es. At the opening of the war of re- 
bellion he again volunteered and was 
instrumental in organizing and bring- 
ing to a state of efficiency the Eighty- 
first Pennsylvania regiment, 
of which he was made 
colonel. He went to the peninsula 
with McClellan, and when arrived be- 
fore Richmond, was put upon the front. 
His command was active in the con- 
struction of the famous Sumner bridge 
across the Chickahominy, and when 
completed, passed over and participat- 
ed in the severe skirmish at Grolding's 
farm. In the battle of Fair Oaks on 
the 30th of May, 1862, the troops of 
Sumner were hastened to the relief ot 
the hard pressed forces of Casey who 
was first to feel the attack and were 
successful in checking the foe. On 
the following morning the fighting was 
renewed. The left fiank of the regi- 
ment was exposed. In the progress of 
the battle a regiment of the enemy 
approached from the open side, which 
Colonel Miller mistook for a Union 
force and called out to it. The an- 
swer was a volley at close range, under 
which he fell, shot through the heart, 
and expired upon the field manfully 
battling to the last. Near the spot 
where Col. Miller was killed, General 
O. O. Howard lost his arm. 

Colonel Miller's remains were buried 
in the Easton cemetery with military 
honors and his funeral was one of 
the many solemn events in Easton's 
history during the Rebellion when so 
many of her sons enlisted in the cause 
of the Union, not a few of whom were 
brought home to fill soldiers' graves. 

Colonel Miller married a Miss Mc- 
Keen, of Easton, and a son, William 
McKeen Miller, graduated at Lafay- 
ette college in 1874. 

Presentation of a Sword to Captain 
Miller. 

A splendid sword was presented to 
Captain Miller by the citizens of Eas- 
ton, on New Year's eve, at the Ameri- 
can hotel, as a token of their admira- 
tion of the gallantry which he display- 
ed in the various engagements of our 
army before getting possession of the 
city of Mexico. 

The company assembled to partici- 
pate in the festivities was large, and 
everything passed off in the most cor- 



200 



dial and satisfactory manner. James 
S. Reese, Esq., presented the sword 
with an appropriate address, to which 
the valiant captain made a suitable re- 
ply. Several other gentlemen present 
made speeches, toasts were drank, etc. 
January 5, 1843. 



Death of Jacob Opp. 

Died, in the tov/n of Dansville, N. 
Y., on the evening of April 9, 1848, 
Jacob Opp. in the eighty-first year of 
his life. It may be said of Father 
Opp, as it was said of Abraham, "he 
died in a good old age, an old man, and 
full of years; and was gathered unto 
his people." 

The deceased formerly removed from 
Easton, Pa., into this state, and set- 
tled in the village of Dansville, in 1813, 
of which he was a permanent resident 
till within a few years since which 
time, he spent his days and closed his 
pilgrimage with his youngest son, liv- 
ing a short distance out of town. Fath- 
er Opp was universally regarded as 
a most worthy citizen — honest, up- 
right, enterprising and strictly punc- 
tual in all his dealings and intercourse 
with his fellow men. As a neighbor 
he was ever obliging — as a father and 
husband invariably kind and affection- 
ate — and as a Christian he was truly 
evangelical and consistent. In the lib- 
eral support of the church and all oth- 
er objects of benevolence, he was at 
least fifty years in advance of the age 
in which he lived. 

In the former part of his life he was 
blessed with the abundance of this 
world's goods, and his munificence 
was equal to his means. The Luther- 
an church was ever dear to him, he 
loved her as he did his own soul— and 
he bid her God speed with all his 
h eart. — Communicated. 



Another Easton Hero of the Mexican 
War and Rebellion. 



Charles A. Heckman. 

Having heard within the past few 
days reports calculated to injure the 
honor of Charles A. Heckman, (late a 
volunteer in the United States service, 
in Mexico) I deem it a duty, in his ab- 
sence, to publish the following certifi- 
cates and letter. 

H. S. HECKMAN. 
Easton, March 14, 1848. 



H, First regiment of United States 
volunteers is incapable of performing 
t_e duties of a soldier, for the follow- 
ing reasons; that for three months he 
has been and now is afflicted with se- 
vere rheumatism, and therefore, in the 
opinion of the undersigned, the inter- 
est of the service requires that he 
should be discharged from the army. 
A. CADWALADER, Surgeon. 

During the last three months, the 
above named Charles A. Heckman, 
now recommended to be discharged, 
has been on the sick list sixty days, 
and has been reported fit for duty 
during the same period, ten days. 
M. J. BARNARD, 
Captain. 
U. S. Volunteers, commanding Co. H. 
Given at Vera Cruz, this 20th day of 

November, 1847. 
v.ar Department, Adjutant General's 

Office, Washington. 

Special Orders. 

Sergeant Charles A. Heckman, of Co. 
H., regiment of Volunteers, is hereby 
honorably discharged from the ser- 
vice on surgeon's certificate of disa- 
bility By order 

R. JONES, Adjutant General. 
Vera Cruz, Nov. 20, 1847. 

Dear Sir— Allow me to introduce to 
your acquaintance, the bearer of this, 
Charles A. Heckman, Esq. You will 
recollect him as coming out in my 
company as first sergeant,I have ever 
foimd him an efficient soldier, and 
gallant gentleman, foremost among the 
many gallant spirits here. Any atten- 
tion you may show him will confer a 
favor on 

Your Affectionate Brother, 

M. J. BARNARD. 
To J. B. Forsyth, Esq., Sixth street 

above Walnut, Philadelphia. 



Surgeon's Certificate of Ordinary Dis- 
ability. 
I hereby certify, that Charles A. 
Heckman, first sergeant of Company 



Dedication of the Odd Fellows' Hall. 

Thursday, May 18, 1848. 
The new and splendid hall of the 
Odd Fellows in this borough, will be 
uedicated in the presence of the Order, 
by the officers of the Grand Lodge; 
the services to commence at 10 o'clock 
a. m. The ladies and gentlemen of 
the borough, as well as visitors, are 
respectfully invited to attend and wit- 
ness the interesting ceremonies. We 
have been requested by the committee 
of arrangments to publish the follow- 
ing: 

Adam Yohe, Chief Marshal. 
Assistants — F. W. Muller, George Fin- 
ley, M. H. Horn, Henry S. Carey 

and Sylvester Stout. 
The procession will form in South 



201 



Pomfret street, at 1 o'clock precisely, 
the right wing rest on S. Drinkhouse's 
corner, extending towards and below 
tne Odd Fellows' hall. The proces- 
sion will move down Northampton 
street to the Delaware bridge and 
countermarch to Fermer — up Fermer 
to Spring Garden, up Spring Garden 
to Pomfret — down Pomfret to the 
Square — up Northampton to the top 
of the Hill — do'wn Northampton to 
Hamilton — do^^Ti Hamilton to Lehigh 
— down Lehigh to Pomfret — up Pom- 
fret to Ferry — down Ferry to Fermer. 
up Fermer to Northampton — up North- 
ampton to the Square — down Pomfret 
to Ferry — up Ferry to Hamilton — 
down Hamilton to Bushkill — down 
Bushkill to Pomfret and down Pom- 
fret to the hall. 

Order of Procession. 
Chief Marshal on ^j.orseback: the as- 
sistant marshals on foot. 
Lehicton Lodge, No. 244. 
The Outside Guardian with Drawn 
Sword. 
The Scene Supporters. 
Members without any Degrees. 
Brethren with the First and Second 
— Third and Fourth — Fifth Degree. 

Inside Guardian with Sword. 

Treasurer. Secretary and Assistant 

Secretary. 

Wardens and Conductors. 

Vice Grand and His Supporters. 

Noble Grand assisted by Right and 

Left Supporters. 
Past Grands according to their date of 
Election. 
Friend of Peace Lodge. No. 164. 
Easton Band. 
Columbia Lodge. No. 139. 
Fatherland Lodge, No. 111. 
Delaware Lodge, No. 73. 
Peace and Plenty Lodge, No. 69. 
Should there be any younger lodges 
in attendance from this state, they 
will take the lead according to their 
respective number. 

Martial Music. 

Visiting Lodges. 

Visiting brothers can walk in any part 

of the procession they please. 
Building committee with white rosette. 

Grand Lodge Officers. 
D. D. G. M.. Chaplain and Orators of 
the day, on foot. 
Mount Sinai Encampment. 
Dedication of the Odd Fellows' Hall. 
The ceremonies commenced with the 
dedication of the building erected by 
the Odd Fellows, took place on Thurs- 
day last. May IS, 1S48.) The dedica- 
tory address was delivered in the hall 
at 11 o'clock by Dr. Andrew Yohe, 



late of this place A crowd composed 
of citizens and members of the order 
assembled to her the doctor, and 
from all he received the highest ap- 
plause. His delivery was good, and 
the subject matter of his address, 
which was an historical account of the 
Order, was edifying. 

At 1 o'clock the different lodges of 
this vicinity and those in attendance 
from a distance, assembled in the 
public sqtiare and formed in proces- 
sion under the direction of Chief Mar- 
shal Adam Yohe, Esq. The line was 
qtiite a long one. and as it moved 
through the town with the rich rega- 
lia and other trappings of the mem- 
bers, enlivened with martial music 
and the Easton and Bethlehem bands, 
presented an interesting and imposing 
exhibition. Thousands of citizens and 
strangers were drawn to the square 
whilst it was forming, and most of 
the streets through which the proces- 
sion passed were lined with specta- 
tors. 

The exercises of the day were clos- 
ed with an address esplanatorj' and 
in defence of the Order, by Mr. Mc- 
Arthur, of New York. His address oc- 
cupied upwards of an hour, and dur- 
ing all that time he succeeded in keep- 
ing a large audience standing in the 
square, exposed to the heat. Strong 
evidence of his talents and ability as 
a public speaker. 

Webster's Gallery. 
Daguerreotypes. 

The proprietor of the above estab- 
lishment is now prepared to take 
likenesses in any kind of weather, ei- 
ther in groups or single, and of any 
size. Likenesses taken and set in 
lockets, breastpins, medallions and 
rings, copies taken from Daguerro- 
types, paintings and prints. 

Landscapes, views, machinery, etc., 
taken with the proprietor's improved 
apparatus without being reversed. 
Likenesses of invalids or deceased 
persons taken at the shortest notice 
(at their residence.) Children's like- 
nesses taken Un the morning) in 
from five to ten seconds. 

At this establishment can be 
found the finest assortment of cases 
ever offered in this place, also a large 
assortment of 

GOLD AND PLATED LOCKETS. 

Medallions, etc., which can be 
bought with a likeness for about the 
same price that a similar article can 
oe purchased for elsewhere without 
the likeness. 

Citizens of Easton and vicinity as 



202 



well as strangers, are invited to call 
and examine a large number of beau- 
tiful specimens, taken by the 
proprietor) and satisfy them- 

selves as to their artistical mer- 
its and if they feel disposed to sit for 
a picture the proprietor would be 
nappy to wait upon them, and no 
pains will be spared that entire satis- 
faction may be given. 

Instructions given in the art and ap- 
paratuses furnished. 

Rooms in .Jones Brick Building, 
northwest corner of the public Square, 
Easton, Pa. 

E. Z. WEBSTER. 
Daguerrean Artist. 
.June 21. 1848. 



of personal aspersion manifested by 
the speaker. Let affairs of this kind 
ue conducted independent of all per- 
sonal feeling, and let them be the spon- 
taneous out-pourings of the jjeople. 
,Iune 14, 1848. 



The Daguerrean Art. 
Mr. Webster, professor of the 
above art, has opened a room, as will 
be seen by a notice in this paper, in 
the Square, and is prepared with one 
of the strongest and most highly im- 
proved apparatuses., and the best ma- 
terial to take likenesses, landscapes, 
or other views. He is also enabled 
to take more than one likeness of a 
person on the same plate. We have 
i;een a few specimens of his pictures, 
a"hd have no hesitation in pronouncing 
them equal, if not superior to any that 
we have ever seen. Families as well 
as the Beaux and Belles 
have nov/ an opportunity of furnish- 
ing themselves \vith perfect likeness- 
es at a moderate charge, and Mr. 
Webster will no doubt be liberally 
patronized. 

Welcome Home. 

On Friday last a returning soldier, 
John Yates, a native of this place, 
was handsomely received and wel- 
comed home by a large collection of 
his fellow citizens. During the mov 
ing of the procession cannon were 
tired from Mount Jefferson, and the 
bells rung. Mr. Yates enlisted in the 
early part of last year and left for 
the seat of our army, under the old 
hero General Scott. At the battle near 
the city of Mexico, we believe, he 
was wounded in the leg, which disab- 
led him, and procured him a discharge. 

The reception w^as participated in 
by Captain Reeder and W. H. Hutter; 
the latter of whom made a speech 
to the returning hero. We are glad 
that a private soldier was welcomed 
home, but we were sorry to see a 
matter of this kind prostituted to 
personal pretensions to patriotism. We 
were very sorry to witness a feeling 



Died. 



On Sunday last, tJuly 9. 1848), in 
this place, Mrs. Louisa Panaeo.after 
a severe illness, aged sixty years. The 
deceased was a native of France, but 
resided here about thirty years, dur- 
ing which time she was successfully 
engaged in the confectionery business. 
Bv a will she bequeaths the sum of 
$200 to the New Lutheran church, 
and the same amount to the Episcopal 
i i.urch of this place. 

Our Candidates For Governor. 
We this week add to the distinguish- 
ed names at the head of our paper, 
that of Peter S. Michler, as a candi- 
date for Governor, subject, however, 
to the decision of a State Convention. 
We shall urge the claims of Mr. 
Michler upon the citizens of the Com- 
monwealth with earnestness, at the 
same time avowing our determination 
to support the nominee of the conven- 
tion, to the fullest extent of our pow- 
er. We consider Mr. Michler in every 
point of view the most available and 
advantageous candidate that is offered 
to the people of Pennsylvania. He 
is, where well known, universally es- 
teemed and respected. He is a man 
of fine business talents and a man of 
high character for purity of purpose. 
He is equally well acquainted with 
the English and Garman languages, 
which we consider of itself, a great 
recommendation. It is many years 
since Northampton has had a candi- 
date for the Governor's office. If we 
can have the candidate, we will make 
such havoc in the Locofoco ranks as 
\.ill appall the Cassites and give them 
foretaste of what they are as to ex- 
pect in November, when Rough and 
..eady will go over them rough shod. 

Reception of Lieut. Miner. 

On Saturday evening Lieutenant 
Joseph W. Miner, who volunteered 
during the Mexican war, was received 
bv the military and citizens of this 
place with the most cordial and hearty 
greetings. His reception at the west 
end of the town, where a large number 
had assembled, was enthusiastic. 

The line of procession was formed 
by Chief Marshal Adam Yohe, and 
proceeded with torch-lights through 



203 



the town. At the residence of Dr. Abra- 
ham Stout, Mr. Miner, was welcomed 
in behalf of the citizens bj^ Col. James 
M. Porter, in a short address, which 
was handsomely responded to by the 
young her^. 

Mr. Miner enrolled himself as a 
private in Cap. Dana's company of 
"Wyoming Artillerists," and marched 
with that valiant corps from Wyoming 
for the theatre of war. As a reward 
for his bravery and his general good 
conduct as soldier, he Vv^as promoted 
to a First ueutenantcy whilst in Mex- 
ico. We may v/ell feel proud of such 

volunteers. 

* * * 

August 16, 1848. 



Ruins of Easton. 
BY G. C. H. 

To the antiquarian there is a some- 
thing in Central American scenery 
that renders it doubly interesting. To 
him it is a land involved in impene- 
trable mystery. While panting up the 
side of some steep barranca: while 
wandering by some loved rio's bank 
beneath trees proudly erect in their 
luxuriant beauty; while gazing from 
some lofty sierra upon the varied 
scenery around him, upon towering 
volcanoes belching forth their liquid 
fire, upon dark dense forests ranging 
far away in the distance, upon plain 
and valley, cascade and rivulet, lake 
and river; wherever and upon what- 
ever he looks, remembers that cen- 
turies ago there was a people, rich, 
proud and powerful, who gazed upon 
the same scene, and claimed them 
as their own glad heritage. But that 
race has long, long ago nassed away, 
and although nought but the ruins of 
might cities remain to tell of 
their existence, yet the vivid imagina- 
tion of the antiquarian can people 
those desolate abodes with beings of 
another day, and enliven them with 
scenes of bygone hours. Here is the 
land where rest the relics of a mighty 
Lut lon^r '^oparted people, and here 

" the token 

Of temples once renowned 

Is but a pillar, broken. 

With grass and wall-flower crowned. 

And the lone serpent rears her young 

Where the triumphant lyre hath sung." 

Such thoughts, while each day of 
indefatigable toils opens new discov- 
eries, serve to cheer the antiquarian 
in his laborious but interesting work, 
and add new ])eauty to each scene. 

Although the scenery that makes 
Easton so attractive, presents nothing 



i^at would endear it to the antiquar- 
ian, yet it has that which leaves no 
mean, nor slight impression on the 
stranger, and which renders it so 
lovely to its sons that they are never 
so happy as when breathing its in- 
vigorating air. I speak fi'om experi- 
ence. I care not whether you climb 
among the dark, wild passes of the 
Wey-Gat, or along the flower clad 
Glendon Hills; whether you roam by 
the quiet Lehigh, among the groves of 
sweet little Bushkill, or along the 
banks of the noble Delaware; whether 
you gaze from the heights of Parnas- 
sus, from the precipitous sides of Ida, 
from the summits of Lafayette, or of 
Jefferson, from the Chestnut Hills, on 
the north or the Glendon Hills on the 
south, from there or from other plac- 
es, still from every point there burst 
such views of rich, rare, 
varied beauty, that it is hard 
to believe the flattered descriptions 
of Swiss and Scottish scenery surpass 
them. Now you gaze upon some small 
sequestered spot, lovely enough to 
grow sentimentality in the coldest 
heart that ever eschewed romance. 
Then again, you climb some mountain 
where true elevations is lost by the 
gentle ascent, and gaze upon a view 
of some sixly or seventy miles length 
and twenty or thirty in breadth, which 
lacking only the lake and the ocean, 
presents a picture of beauty and 
grandeur very rare indeed. Yes! such 
and much more is the scenery of Eas- 
ton, so near our two greatest cities, 
yet so little known, so little appre- 
ciated. 

Although glorying in hill and val- 
ley, in 'green pastures,' and 'still wa- 
ters;' although the spot where Brain- 
erd preached the gospel of peace to 
the red-men of the woods; although 
the spot where savage met savage in 
the deadly encounter some to conquer, 
others to retain the far famed Forks 
of the Delaware, the home of the for- 
est fisherman; although thus fraught 
with deep and living interest, yet, how 
much enhanced would Easton be, if 
it could boast of some extensive ruin 
to tell of times that go far back! 

In a bright june morning I was 
walking along the hills that skirt the 
north shores of the Lehigh, mental- 
Iv digesting the above original idea. 
The carpet which kind nature had 
spread for a man to walk and look 
upon, although profusely ornamented 
with the violet and other flowers of 
equal beauty but less modest hue, 
was now trodden with a careless step. 



204 



The woods were melodious with their 
accustomed choir of warbling birds, 
whistling squirrels and whispering 
zephyrs, but my ear was stilled to 
music, while the mind was far away 
among the ruins of an Uxmal or a 
Palenque. Whether ray eye glanced 
upward to the clear azore arch that 
spanned above, or fell upon the trees 
around, it was alike insensible, while 
fancy trod the fallen palaces of Utlan- 
ta or mused sadly over the ruined 
battlements of Atalaya. 

Almost unconscious, I proceeded un- 
til nature, hitherto slighted with im- 
punity, enforced attention. I stood 
upon the very edge of a precipice of 
at least a dangerous height. Before 
me stretched a small but beautiful 
valley. Here might be seen the gold- 
en yellow of the ripening harvest. 
There glittering in dew and sunbeam 
was the rich green of the lowly mead- 
ow. At one extremity of the vale on 
a gentle slope fed the flock of the 
shepherd, whose soft bleating with 
the deep lowing of the distant cattle 
scarce broke the still quiet. Through 
the centre of the valley rolled the 
Lehigh. On the opposite bank rose 
the hills, stretching far away to the 
south-west, hill upon hill, until the 
summits of the most distant seem min- 
gled with the blue sky. On the hill side 
and the plain, here and there, the 
white front of some farm house might 
be seen peeping through the heavy 
foliage of the shade trees. Along the 
southern bank of the river, a little to 
west of the rfsing hills, was a small 
level that appeared peculiarly solitary 
and interesting. The situation was so 
pretty and stillness that reigned 
around it so subduing, that nature had 
nearly resumed its power, when my 
eyes fell upon what I had so ardently 
desired — a pile of ruins. Yes! a pile 
of ruins! The joy of that old sage 
who ran through the streets of Syra- 
cuse, crying, "Eureka, eureka, I have 
found it," was scarce greater than 
mine at this, my discovery — Ruins! 
could it be an illusion? No; there 
they were, genuine ruins! My position 
on the other side of the river was not 
as favorable for description as was 
desirable, but as I was there, and they 
appeared to me, so I will describe the 
ruins. 

They were surrounded by a heavy 
growth O'f saplings. The principal 
ruin consisted of a tower, one half of 
which had fallen. The other half 
seemed to be built of burnt clay, or of 
a small reddish stone, and was about 



fifty feet in height, and circular in 
form. The building originally could 
not have been much higher if any, as 
the diameter at its base was only 
about twenty-five or thirty feet. The 
tops, as much as remained, projected 
over the sides of the tower and was 
flat, either for the purpose of worship 
or for giving signals. On the side 
visible to me I could perceive no win- 
dow, or aperture for the admission of 
lirht and air. The entrances to the 
tower were probably four. The two 
tiiat remained were narrow, arched 
and apparently very compact and firm. 

The origin and design of this singu- 
lar structure I was a loss to divine. 
The little plain upon which it was 
erected was too small to be the site 
of any considerable town. It might 
be the only remaining tower of a for- 
tification, or one of a chain of towers 
ruch as were used by the ancients to 
transmit intelligence by signals. But 
for neither of these purposes did it 
seem adapted, as it was surrounded 
by many more elevated and command- 
ing positions. The more rational opin- 
ion was that it was a temple for wor- 
ship, and if so, he deserves great 
credit who located so beautiful a lo- 
cation. 

While thus ruminating upon the 
probable design of the structure, I no- 
ticed just below me an old man upon 
v/hose hoary head the frosts of age 
had left the marks of their ravages. 
He was sitting upon a broken rock, 
KprTsntly lost in the contemplation 
of the ruined tower. It instantly oc- 
curred to me, that he being an old 
residenter, had perhaps received from 
th^ Indians some tradition connected 
vv'ith the interesting ruin Without 
hesitation I acted upon the idea, and 
leaping from rock to rock, descend- 
ed the hill. Struck with the venerable 
aopearance of the old man, I approach- 
ed, hat in hand, and apologizing for 
my perhaps unreasonable intrusion 
upon his meditations, respectfully in- 
quired if he could throw any light 
upon the origin and history of the sol- 
itary tower. Looking upon me for a 
moment, he turned to the object of 
inquiry saving, "Do you mean that 
pile of bricks yonder?" "Yes sir" said 
I "Yoiider pile of ruins." He replied, 
"That's the old Smelting furnace." I 
left. 

Easton, Pa., August 23, 1848. 



Another Returned Volunteer. 

Lieut. Charles Miner Stout, son of 
Dr. A. Stout, of this place, returned 



205 



to his home on Saturday. This youth- 
ful hero was also a private in the 
"Wyominig Artillerists." His intelli- 
gence and creditable bearing as a sol- 
dier, however, entitled him to promo- 
tion and he was transferred to the 
Eleventh regiment of infantry, and 
honored with a lieutenant's commis- 
sion. Notwithstanding the trials and 
hardships of the war, Mr. Stout is 
again amongst us in the enjoyment of 
good health, a source of great pleas- 
ure to his numerous relatives and 
acquaintances. 
August 23, 1848. 



Doctor Junkin — A Token of Esteem — 
Departure. 

On Thursday evening last (October 
26, 1848). the Rev. George Junkin, 
D. D., and family left Easton for Lex- 
nigton, Virginia, where he goes to en- 
ter upon the duties of president of 
Washington college. 

Our revered friend leaves us with the 
sincere regret of the great body of our 
citizens among whom he has labored 
for many years in the cause of educa- 
tion and Christianity. On the eve of 
his departure a beautiful pitcher of 
solid silver was presented to him by 
the ladies of the Second Presbyterian 
church of our borough— a church 
which was organized mainly through 
his exertions. This manifestation of 
respect coming from such a source 
and being the offering of the grateful 
heart is doubly valuable as an endur- 
ing proof of the nobleness of spirit 
th,at gave and received the elegant 
present. 

We earnestly hope the worthy re- 
ceiver will find in the state where 
he goes to reside, friends as sincere 
as those who he left in our borough 
and its vicinity. We also trust that 
honor and usefulness will abundantly 
crown his future labors, and that 
many, many years will pass away be- 
fore late in the evening of human 
life "the pitcher be broken at the 
fountain." 
November 1, 1S48. 



Taylor Festival. 

The committee appointed at a meet- 
ing of the friends of Taylor, Filmore 
and Johnston, of the borough of Eas- 
ton, held on Saturday last to make 
arrangements for a 

GRAND JUBILEE 
in honor of the recent victories achiev- 
ed in the election of their candidates, 
announce that 

A FREE DINNER 



will be prepared on Saturday, the 2nd 
of December next, in the large vacant 
lot at the corner of Bushkui and Fer- 
mor (Second) street. The whole lot 
will be placed under cover. All the 
friends of Taylor, Fillmore and John- 
ston, in Northampton and the neigh- 
boring counties, are invited to be pres- 
ent and join in the festivities. 

COME ONE, COME ALL 
and let us congratulate each other on 
the triumph of the hero of Buena Vis- 
ta, the factory boy of New York, and 
the champion of Pennsylvania inter- 
ests. 

A procession will be formed at 11 
o'clock a. m. precisely, at the dinner 
lot to march through the streets of 
the borough with music, banners, etc. 
On the evening of the same day there 
will be illuminations and bonfires, and 
a brilliant display of fire works on Mt. 
Jefferson, illustrative of our victories. 
The committee have procured the "Big 
Gun" from Allentown, which under the 
superintendence of Captain Daubert 
will be fired throughout the day and 
evening. 

Samuel Yohe, George W. Yates, Wm. 
Maxwell, Jacob Able, Jr., Reuben 
Lerch, Wm. D. Nolen, John Dawes, 
George A. Hice, Derrick Hulick, Wm. 
M. Burke, William J. Browne, John 
Eyerman, Samuel Adams, Alexander 
Grotz, F. Wildeman, Committee of Ar- 
rangements. 
Easton, November 29, 1848. 



The Taylor Jubilee. 

In consequence of the inclemency of 
the weather the "Grand Taylor Jubi- 
lee" was postponed from Saturday last 
until Monday, when it came off in 
glorious style. At 3 o'clock in the 
morning the "Big Gun" from Allen- 
town under the superintendence of 
Captain Charles Daubert, began to 
talk, and waked up the folks in Eas- 
ton, and for miles around. One hun- 
dred and sixty-three rounds were fir- 
ed in honor of the number of electoral 
votes received by General Taylor, 
throughout the day and evening. Early 
in the morning, the ladies began to 
send the provisions they had prepar 
ed, to the dinner lot, where a com- 
mittee was in attendance to receive 
them. The four tables, each two hun- 
dred feet long, which were put up 
soon groaned under the weight of the 
good things that filled them, and ex- 
hibited a most beautiful and inviting 
appearance. 

At 12 o'clock a procession, number- 
ing many hundreds, was formed, and 



2o6 



with music, banners, etc., marched 
through the town. When it reached 
the lot, everything was "ready for 
dinner" and some three thousand per- 
sons, did full justice to the feast. The 
lot was filled with good Taylor men 
and ladies, and presented a scene 
which beggars description. Our time 
and space to-day prevent us from at- 
tempting even a faint account of all 
the fine and good things which the la- 
dies, God bless them, had bountifully 
provided for us — but we will endea- 
vor to do so in our next, when we will 
also publish the card of the commit- 
tee of arrangements, and give a de- 
tailed statement of all the proceed- 
ings. 

In the evening there was a brilliant 
display of fire works on Mount Jeffer- 
son, which drew together a large con- 
course of people that we ever saw 
assembled before in Easton. The 
hill and streets leading to it were 
crowded and hundreds of people 
might be seen at their windows 
and tops of houses. The display gave 
universal satisfaction. The pieces 
were all good; but he principal one, 
with the names of the Nation's new 
rulers "Taylor and Fillmore," was 
auead of anything ever before exhibit- 
ed here. We are glad to have it in our 
power to say, that whole jubilee pass- 
ed off with the utmost harmony and 
that not a single accident or unpleas- 
ant circumstance occurred to mar the 
pleasure of the day. 
December 6, 1848. 



Coldest Day. 

From notices published in the pa- 
pers of different sections of the coun- 
try, it would appear that Thursday, 
the 11th inst., (January, 1849.) was 
the coldest day of the season. On that 
day the thermometer stood eight de- 
grees below zero in this place. At Bel- 
videre, at sun rise 10 below; on the 
same morning in Syracuse, N. Y., it 
v\'as 17 below! and at Saco, in Maine, 
20 below. The Philadelphia papers 
give accounts of the cold weather and 
state that the morning of Thursday, 
the 11th of January, was the coldest 
morning for the last eight years. The 
thermometer stood 2 1-2 degrees above 
zero. 



Died. 



In this place on Tuesday afternoon, 
the Rev. John P. Hecht, aged 59 years. 
The friends of the family are invited 
to attend the funeral from his late res- 
idence, to-morrow afternoon at two 



o'clock. 

.January 31, 1S49. 

The Late Rev. John P. Hecht. 

The remains of the above well known 
clergyman, whose death we announced 
In the last paper, were interred in the 
burial ground of St. John's church, on 
Sunday the 4th inst, (February, 1849) 
and the funeral services conducted by 
Kev. G. Diehl, in the New Lutheran 
church. The immense concourse of 
people at the funeral and in the 
crowded church, was but an express- 
ion of the general feelings of sympa- 
thy and condolence with the afflicted 
family. 

We publish the following brief ac- 
count of his life and services, which 
may not be uninteresting to his nu- 
merous friends and acquaintances. 

The Rev. John P. Hecht was born 
m Bucks county. February, 1790. His 
childhood, after the age of three years, 
was spent in Philadelphia. He re- 
ceived his classical education at the 
University of Pennsylvania, and at an 
early age commenced the study of 
Theology under the tuition of Rev. 
Drs. Schmidt and Helmuth, pastors of 
the German Lutheran congregation of 
. '^iladelphia, and two of the most em- 
inent ministers of the church of that 
day. 

At the age of 19, Mr. Hecht took 
charge of several congregations in 
Montgomery county, where he contin- 
ued to labor for about five years. In 
the latter part of the year, 1813, he 
ceived a call from the Lutheran 
church in Carlisle, of which he was 
pastor for two years. In 1816, he 
took charge of the Lutheran congrega- 
tion in Easton, and also the church 
in Greenwich, N. J. He continued 
pastor of St. John's church till in the 
spring of 1S45, a period of more than 
29 years. Thus he spent more than 36 
years in the active labors of the min- 
istry, in three different pastoral 
charges. The sum total of his minis- 
terial acts have been estimated at 2,- 
700 baptisms; 1,600 admitted to 
cuurch privileges by confirmation; 1,- 
600 funerals; 1,440 marriages, and he 
preached 5,400 sermons. 

He possessed a mind of great vi- 
vacity and considerable brilliancy. He 
was well acquainted with Theology, 
but was more remarkable as a lin- 
guist, having an accurate knowledge 
of the Latin, Greek and Hebrew. He 
was also an accomplished German 
scholar. 

He was happy and fervid in the 



207 



style of his pulpit eloquence, fluent 
and felicitous in conversation, refin- 
ed and gentlemanly in his manners, 
and warm in his social disposition. In 
the relations of life, he was affection- 
ate as a friend, tender and devoted as 
a husuanci, kind and amiable as a 
father. 

His health had been gradually fail- 
ing for months. On Saturday the 
27th of January, he was able to come 
into his study and sit with his fam- 
ily. On the morning of the 30th ult. 
he felt a sudden and severe attack. 
In the afternoon of the same day at 
2 o'clock he expired, leaving a dis- 
tressed family to deplore his loss. 



The introduction of an old acquaint- 
ance. 

General Tom Thumb. 

This distinguished man in minia- 
ture, weighing only 15 pounds. 17 
years of age and but 28 inches high. 

Who has been received with the 
highest marks of royal favor by 
Queen Victoria, and all the principal 
crowned heads of Europe, and who 
has performed before 6,000,000 of per- 
sons during the last six years will hold 
his levees, at the Odd Fellows' hall, 
Easton, afternoon and evening of Wed- 
nesday, Thursday and Fridaj-, April 
11, 12 and 13. Positively for three 
days only. Hours of exhibition, after- 
noon from 3 to 4.30 o'clock, evening 
from 7.30 to 9. Doors open half hour 
in advance. The little general will ap- 
pear in all of his performances, in- 
cluding songs, dances, Grecian stat- 
ues, etc. He will also represent Na- 
poleon Bonaparte, Frederick the Great, 
etc. He will also appear in his Scotch 
Costume and his elegant court dress 
worn before her majesty, Queen Vic- 
toria; the King and Queen of the 
French; Nicholas, the Emperor of 
Russia, and all the principal crowned 
heads and nobility of Europe. He la 
perfectly symmetrical in all his pro- 
portions, intelligent and graceful be- 
yond belief, and smaller than any in- 
fant that ever walked alone. The 
magnificent presents, jewels, etc., re- 
ceived from the kings, queens and no- 
bility of Europe, will be ex- 
hibited. His beautiful minia- 
ture equipage presented by Queen 
Victoria, consisting of the smallest 
horses in the world, and chariot atten- 
ded by elfin coachman and footman in 
livery, will promenade the streets dai- 
ly .and be seen in front of the hall at 
the close of each day levee. 

Ladies, families and children are 



respectfully advised to attend the day 
levees, as they are usually less crowd- 
ed than those of the evening. 

CAUTION — Some half dozen differ- 
ent dwarfs are strolling about the 
country, and imposing upon the public 
by falsely representing themselves as 
the "General Tom Thumb" who has 
been so popular in Europe during the 
last four years. The real name of the 
genuine Tom Thumb is - Charles S. 
Stratton. He was born in Bridgeport, 
Conn. The general is attended in his 
travels by his father and mother, a 
pianist, preceptor-groom, coachman, 
footman, etc., making in all a retinue 
of eleven persons. 

Admission 25 cents; children under 
ten years, half price. 
April 11. 1849. 

Seigfried's Ferry, April 9, 1849. 

Friend Hetrich: — The following is 
an account of the snows that fell dur- 
ing the last winter, at this place. I 
commenced keeping the account for 
my own satisfaction, and as many 
wonder after the season is past, how 
much snow fell, it may be interesting 
to such. If you can find a place for it 
in your useful paper, please give it 
an insertion. 

Yours truly, B. 

1S4S — November 12, in the morning, 
3 3-4 inches; December 22, 2 1-4 inches 
hail; December 27, 7 inches hail; De- 
cember 29 and 30, 13 3-4 inches snow 

1"49 — January 11, the sun rose at 6 
degrees belov/ zero; February 1, 2 1-4 
inches hail; February 2, 2 inches 
snow; February 5, 4 3-4 inches snow; 
February 6, 4 3-4 inches snow; Febru- 
•ry 12, 2 1-2 inches snow; February 
14, 1-2 inch snow; February 16, the 
sun rose at 6 degrees below zero; Feb- 
ruary 20, 3-4 inch snow; February 22, 
1-2 inch snow; February 25, 2 3-4 inch- 
es snow; March 2 and 3, 4 3-4 inches 
snow; March 27, snow fell all day 
with a high wind from the northeast, 
it melted much as it fell, and it meas- 
ured on the high grounds, 3 1-4 inches. 

Total number of inches. 51 inches. 



Married. 
At the residence of Col. Jefferson 
Dt.vis, in Mississippi, Hon. Richard 
Erodhead, late member of Congress 
from this district, to Miss Mary Jane 
Bradford, of the former state. 
May 2. 1849. 

Strike by the Boat.Tien — The Military. 
During the past week the situation 
of things on the canal at this place, 
become more alarming from day to 
day. Contributions were levied upon 



2o8 



Morris canal and other boats as the 
terms upon which they were permitted 
to pass, and the most brutal assaults 
committed upon boatmen who would 
not come into the measures of those 
who were on the "strike." A quarrel 
took place between two of the boat- 
men on Saturday night, which re- 
sulted fatally. One of them, it is said, 
wished to proceed with his boat, to 
which the other objected. The fight 
was with dirk knives, near the second 
lock, below South Easton, where the 
dead body of Andrew Schuler was 
found on Sunday morning about day- 
light. A coroner's jury was summon- 
ed, and a post mortem examination 
made by several physicians. The ver- 
dict of the jury was "came to his 
death by a wound inflicted with a 
sharp instrument by the hands of Jo- 
seph Ambruster. on the night of the 
2Gth instant. 

Ambruster was apprehended in the 
cabin of his boat, and is now in jail 
to wait his trial. He received but 
one wound, which though serious, is 
not considered mortal. Schuler also 
received but one blow which entered 
left of the navel and pierced him 
nearly through. One of the physicians 
who examined the body, informed us 
that he could not have lived many 
minutes after the infliction of the 
wound. 

At an early stage of the disturbances 
the governor was applied to for a mil- 
itary force, which he deemed it best 
to withhold at that time, directing our 
sneriff' to raise an efficient posse comi- 
tatus. As long as the boatmen did 
not seem disposed to any other dam- 
age than to suspend operations on the 
canal, it was not the wish of any one 
to use military force. But when writs 
were sued out to recover possession 
of certain boats, offenders screened 
from apprehension, a life taken, and the 
laws set at naught by resisting and 
foiling the sheriff in his efforts to per- 
from his duty, it was found necessary 
to call out a force sufficiently strong 
to remove the evil and restore order. 
This the sheriff succeeded in accom- 
plishing on Monday last, by marching 
over with a strong posse and two mili- 
tary companies under Captain Yohe 
Captain Horn. 

The military and civil force arrived 
at the outlet lock of the Mauch Chunk 
cansl, at about 10 o'clock. At this 
point the principal blockade of the 
public highway existed. The boats 
not only closed the entrance of the 
canal, but formed a bridge across the 



i^ehigh to Easton. Thousands of citi- 
zens of both sexes occupied the hills 
on both sides of the river, anxiously 
watching the course of events — fill- 
ed with fearful anticipations that the 
boatmen would resist, and some lives 
be sacrificed. But no opposition was 
offered — the military remained drawn 
up in a line on the tow path, while 
the sheriff and his posse took pos- 
session of the boats and cleared the 
passage up the canal. Several per- 
sons were found in the boats, against 
whom the sheriff had warrants, who 
were arrested. Some fire arms found 
in cabins were also taken possession 
of. 

Having /.eared tue obstructions at 
this point, the sheriff with part of 
his posse and Captain Horn's com- 
pany proceeded up the canal as far 
as Freemansburg, and returned in the 
evening, having effectually accom- 
plished his purpose without opposition 
from any quarter. During the day 
reven cr eight persons were taken 
?nd confined, on charges of various 
kinds, committed since the "strike" 
commenced, making the entire num- 
ber now in prison twenty-nine. 

The navigation is now unobstruct- 
ed, and we hope it may continue so — 
the evils which have grown out of this 
•■"^rike" are many and will be felt 
for some time to come. The boatmen 
have, no doubt learned by this time 
that nothing is gained hy coercive 
measures and resistance to the au- 
thority of the law, and since their "en- 
raiv-pment" is broken up, those who 
have loaded boats will proceed and 
deliver their cargoes, and those whose 
boats are empty, to return them to 
where they procured them, and there 
is no doubt the several companies in 
whose employ they are, will agree wit'a 
them upon some rate of freight which 
will be satisfactory to all concerned. 

May 30, 1849. 

The Late Military Elections. 
We give below the return of votes 
polled for brigade inspector, as cast 
for the two principal candidates. Sev- 
eral other candidates were voted for 
in some of the companies, but the 
number of votes cast for them, is not 
reported. 

C. Mixsell. J. Best, Jr. 
Easton Artillerists .... 45 

National Guards 29 13 

Tlethlehem Artillerists.. 26 00 

Easton Artillerists 45 

Capt. Heckman's Co. . . 14 9 

Saucon Cavalry 6 30 



209 



Capt. Brown's Co 12 6 

Capt. Haney's Co 20 

Whitesell's Troop .... 7 24 

Mutchler's Cavalry 3 28 

Citizen Guards 5 15 

Capt. Berlin's Co 21 4 

Capt. Rasley's Co 18 4 

Capt. Becker's Co 2 3 

Dewald's Company .... 5 2 

Capt. Meyer's Co. ... 3 15 

Capt. Jos. Laubach's Co. 2 3 

Capt. Seigfriedt's Co. . . S 

198 184 

The at)ove returns are only report- 
ed, but may be correct, giving Major 
Christopher Mixsell, a majority of 14 
votes. The turnout was very small. 
"With the exception of the two Easton 
Companies, the vote was a light one. 

Major Joseph Hillman, sheriff of our 
county, was elected brigadier general, 
without opposition. 

The following gentlemen were elect- 
ed Field officers of the National Volun- 
teer battalion, formerly commanded 
by Major Joseph Hillman: 

Lieutenant-Colonel — William D. 
Brown. 

Major — Charles Brodhead. 

Adjutant— George P. Myers. 

The following gentlemen were elect- 
ed field officers of the Northampton 
Volunteer battalion, under command 
of Col. Robert S. Brown. 

Lieutenant-Colonel — Robert S. 
Brown. 

Major — Charles B. Daniel. 
June 13. 1S49. 

Official returns for Brigade Inspec- 
tor ; 

Best. Mixsell. 

Jackson Cavalry, Whitesell's.. 24 7 

Saucon Cavalry, Knecht 36 3 

Penna. Guards, Siegfriedt. . . . 12 

Citizen Guards, Merrill 15 5 

Washington Guard, Kreidler . . 6 12 

Mt. Bethel Guards, Rasely 4 18 

Citizen Volunteers, Becker . . 11 

Jackson Greys, Heiney 20 

Easton Artillerists, Horn 45 

Mountaineer Rangers, Berlin.. 4 21 

National Guards, Yohe 13 29 

Union Guards, Meyers 15 3 

Washington Guards, Beer .... 9 14 

Bethlehem Artiller's, Wilson . . 2f^ 

'Washington Greys, Laubach.. 2 3 

199 188 
Last week we gave a reported result 
of the late election for brigade inspec- 
tor, which elected Mr. Mixsell by a 
small majority. From the above which 
is copied from the official returns, it 



will be seen that Mr. Best is elected 
by a majority of eleven votes. The 
only company not returned is Captain 
Dewalt's. We understood they polled 
but two votes, and would therefore not 
change the result. 

Major Best is an excellent young 
man, of great zeal and energy, and 
will no doubt make an acceptable 
brigade inspector. 
June 20, 1849. 



The Lenni Lenape Boat Club. 

On Tuesday last, the 7th "instant. 
(August,1849), I attended the christen- 
ing of the barge which has been pro- 
cured by this club; and a more pleas- 
ing and delightful occurrence, I 
have never had the pleasure of wit- 
nessing before. At four o'clock in the 
afternoon, the barge was brought to 
the wharf on the Lehigh, near the foot 
of Hamilton street, where a large 
number of ladies were waitmg to wit- 
ness, and participate in, the christen- 
mg ceremonies. After a few moments 
were spent in making preparations, 
one of the ladies, the most beautiful 
rt the beautiful, (for I pay them no un- 
deserved compliment, when I say that 
in the same number, I have never, on 
any occasion, witnessed a greater ar- 
ray of beauty) , performed the christen- 
ing ceremony by making a few appro- 
priate remarks, and breaking a bot- 
tle of wine over the bow of the boat. 
Lebbeus Chapman, Esq., of the City 
of New York, on the part of the ladies, 
then presented the club with an ele- 
gant national flag, and streamer, and 
a beautiful Jack flag, on which was 
richly embroidered the name of the 
boat, "Lenni Lenape." He addressed 
the club at some length, in an appro- 
priate and eloquent manner, well wor- 
thy of himself, and the fair daughters 
which he represented. 

H. D. Maxwell, Esq., the president 
of the club, on their behalf, replied in 
?n elegant address, returning thanks 
to the ladies, and assuring them that 
for the great interest they had taken 
in the welfare of the club evidenced by 
their repeated acts of kindness, 
and also for the beautiful flags, 
wrought with their own fair fingers, 
v/hich the club had just been honored 
in receiving from their representative, 
they would ever feel an indebtedness 
which they were incapabl of discharg- 
ing. That they had not only secured 
a hig:h place on the regards of the club, 
and given to the ceremony of the occa- 
sion all of its interest, but that they 
had honored their sex, in whom was 



the power to build up, or prostrate any 
cause to which they turned their at- 
tention. In conclusion in the name of 
iiie club he tendered thein the use of 
their boat and their welcome services. 
Several ladies were now assisted in- 
to tae boat, and while the flags were 
hoisting, the Easton Brass band as 
..-ough inspired by the occasion struck 
up the "Star Spangled Banner." About 
fortv persons were taken into her in- 
cluding the band. The oars were dip- 
ped, and leaving the wharf she glided 
sweetly over the waves, while the 
band discoursed some of their most 
exquisite music. 

Our worthy citizens contributed all 
in their power to make the occasion a 
pleasing one. As she passed up the 
Lehigh a short distance from the shore 
several carriages drove along the road 
to accompany her, among which was 
the carriage of the Hon. James M. 
Porter, containing himself, and sev- 
eral ladies, who waved their handker- 
chiefs with delight, as she swept along 
with her merry crew. 

Mrs. Gray, our excellent poetess, 
did the club the honor, to compose for 
the occasion, two very beautiful songs 
which, at intervals were sung by the 
company with admiration and delight. 

About two miles above the town the 
boat landed at a shady grove, when 
all went ashore, and joining those who 
rode up in their carriages, partook of 
some refreshments prepared for the 
occasion. 

After spending a short time in this 
delightful grove, the company return- 
ed to the boat, and turning homeward 
she again moved o'er the waters of the 
romantic Lehigh. Each heart was 
filled with joy, and mingled laughters 
and harmonius song echoed along the 
majestic hills. Fair voices joined in 
the merriment, and the laden heart 
forgot its burden. They soon arrived 
safely at the wharf they had left, 
v/hen the boat yielded up a company 
of merry hearts, and all in attendance 
returned to their homes highly grati- 
fied indeed. 

The club anticipate much pleasure 
from their evening excursions, and 
that their anticipations may be realiz- 
ed is highly probable. They have at 
their hands much that will add to 
their enjoyment. Their boat is propell- 
ed in a xnanner which affords in itself 
a delightful exercise, and is attended 
ed with some amusement. The locali- 
ty, as respects our beautiful rivers 
and their scenery, (I am not saying 
too much when I say) has scarce a 



parallel in this country. The smooth 
still waters of the Lehigh are well 
suited for their excursions. There is 
a grandeur in her hills and rock girt 
chores. Every one should enjoy the 
sublime and beautiful impressions, 
produced by a ride on this river by 
moonlight. Though the wildness of 
me scenery has been somewhat de- 
stroyed, still the hand of art has 
beautified and rendered it even more 
sublime. The furnaces just above our 
town serve to light up the hills already 
drenched with moonlight, imparting 
a warm tinge to their peaks, and ad- 
ding a delicate rose tint to the clouds 
above, while a rich coral hue blends 
sweetly with the silver ripples, and 
tips the rolling waves below. The ex- 
tent between the two hills appears like 
a vast amphitheatre, gorgeously deco- 
rated. The Delaware is no less beau- 
tiful than the Lehigh. From these 
considerations I think the club do not 
anticipate too much. I sincerely 

hope that nothing may interpose to 
r^ampen the ardor which has marked 
their organization, and been exhibited 
in procuring their boat. May their 
excursion long continue to be a great 
source of pleasure to themselves, and 
yield a proportional pleasure to others. 

Lenni Lenape — the name the boat 
was christened, the club had the hon- 
or of receiving from the ladies; and 
a name more beautiful could not have 
been selected; it is not only beautiful 
because of its musical sound, and its 
iroit and easy articulation, but because 
It recalls many pleasing and romantic 
associations with our rivers and our 
iiiiis. It is the name of a tribe of 
Indians whose foot-marks have scarce- 
ly been erased from the shores of our 
Delaware and Lehigh; who but a few 
years ago met in council at the Forks, 
and dipped the oars of their light 
canoes in the waters we now so much 
admire. 

In conclusion I offer this sentiment 
— The Lenni Lenape— may she long ride 
the wave without injury and safely 
bear the burden of her merry crew 
o'er the heaving stream — may her 
name ever inspire the club with a love 
hills, and recall a thousand pleasing 
for our beautiful rivers and recall a 
thousand pleasing and romantic 
recollections, even when they are sep- 
arated far from one another, and far 
from her. 

A LOOKER ON. 
August 15, 1S49. 



Hockendocque Creek — Indian Creek. 



Mr. Editor: — I suppose that you in 
common with many other good citi- 
zens of your borough, have become so 
familiar and prejudiced" in regard to 
the extensive business operations up- 
on your Bush.Kll as to overlook or 
consider of small moment the above 
named creek although in the same 
county. EVen conceit that many of 
your learned citizens could readily 
answer geographical questions in re- 
gard to the Mississippi or the Rio 
Grande, who would be most likely at a 
dead stand in reference to these beau- 
tiful neighboring streams. Hocken- 
docque is an Indian name and accord- 
ing to a version of "old inhabitants" 
is a compound of the word hawk and 
duck, with which »s is said the coun- 
try along this creek abounded in olden 
time; be this as it may, its source 
is in Moore township, midway up the 
Blue mountain in the notch called 
Smith Gap, and should you or any of 
your neighbors, at any time become 
affected with ennui, you could easily 
dispel it by a jaunt to this beautiful 
spring of water, enjoying its excellen- 
cies, together with a picturesque view 
of a large portion of our county. 
There are associations connected with 
this place v/orth mentioning — here 
was once the residence of Capt. Eden 
Burrows, * traces of his dwelling are 
still visible, and although deserted, 
som.e sports of ground indicate that 
they were once under cultivation. Mr. 
Burrows as an estimable citizen and 
a revolutionary patriot, is well re- 
membered by many yet living. Capt. 
Burrows, however, was not the first 
who delighted in this romantic place, 
persons from this country who reside 
in the Genessee country have been re- 
minded and questioned by an old 
"chief," about the "big spring" on 
the mountain. Although not wishing 
to wander too much from the main 
subject, I cannot help but remark 
that in many respects (as you will no 
doubt agree with me,) this would be 
a more desirable place of residence 
at this day, than being crowded into 
a place like Easton where the only 
f'iversion the year round is j^aw, Mer- 
rhindise. Printing, Banking and Pol- 
itics, but here a man might in right 
apply to himself the words "I am lord 
and master of all I survey," etc. 

After leaving the base of the moun- 
tain, this infant stream constantly re- 
ceives the aid of tributaries to enable 
it to perform the immense require- 
ments upon its power, in its wander- 
ings through Moore, Lehigh and Allen 



townships, until it reaches the "father 
of waters" near the Lehigh county 
line. The first to which its power is 
applied is Gross' saw mill about a 
mile from the base of the mountain, 
one mile further is Mr. Sholl's excel- 
lent grist mill, one mile below is Mr. 
Young's saw mill with a dam surpass- 
ing in extent, any on the creek, capa- 
ble of holding an immense amount of 
water, about one mile below is Mr. 
Kleckner's elegant mill recently built 
calculated to do a large amount of 
grinding, one mile further you come 
to Mr. Kleppinger's grist and saw mill, 
and other machinery, this is one of the 
oldest mills in this section of the 
country, one and a quarter mile fur- 
ther is Mr. Cressman's (now Esch's) 
excellent grist and saw mill, half a 
mile further is >.- e Petersville mill 
•-■^'ned by the late Peter Miller. It 
was originally built by Abraham Kri- 
der as a merchant mill and in early 
times it did an extensive business, it 
was subsequently turned into a grist 
mill, the next power taken out is in 
Allen township one and, a half mile 
from the last named, for Mr. Hum- 
mel's chopping, threshing and other 
machinery, Mr. Hiestand's excellent 
grist mill, Col. Weber's (now John 
Laubach's merchant mill at theLehigh. 
and Mr. Beck's (now Lerch's grist 
mill, are all within a mile below Mr. 
Hummel's. Close by Mr. Beck's mill 
this creek receives as tributary the 
tndiDn creek itself about the size of 
Hockendocque. Between here and the 
Lehigh a distance of about four miles 
is Jacob Beam's (now Leh's) grist 
mill, Mr. Howell's elegant and fine 
mill and distillery and finally Peter 
Laubach, merchant mill at the Lehigh. 
'j. nus you will perceive that this small 
creek measuring in a straight line not 
over some twelve miles, supplies not 
less than fourteen establishments. 
More upon this subject, and about my 
Indian creek, at my leisure. 

A MOUNTAINEER. 
August 29, 1849. 



*Captain Eden Burrowes served 
throughout the revolutionary v/ar in 
the First regiment New Jersey Conti- 
nental line. He enlisted in December, 
1776, as a sergeant and was retired as 
first lieutenant, November, 17S3. He 
was an original member of the New 
Jersey state society of the Cincinnati. 
i.e died in Moore township, February 
2fi. ls'25, in his seventy-second year. 
Matthew S. Henry in his manuscript 
history relates how when he was a 



student at Nazareth Hall (he entered 
in 1802) he and other Hall boys, paid 
a visit to Captain Burrowes. 



Letters Homeward — No. 2. 

Mr. Hetrich: — Judge H has been 

heard to say that Easton is the pret- 
tiest place in the United States. We 
presume that the learned, but partial 
gentleman, has not seen all the pretty 
places in our broad domain. We too 
are partial to Easton, and with jus- 
tice; but truth required us to say that 
we have seen some place in Western 
New York, which leaving out natural 
scenery, and looking upon them alone, 
could run right well for the palm of 
beauty with the metropolis of old 
Northampton. Art and enterprise have 
not done for Easton, what they have 
done for many younger and less fa- 
vorably situated towns. If they had, 

.Judge H would have been nearer 

right. 

Still Easton is a noble place. A 
gentleman, formerly of Rochester,now 
of Washington, told us that he was 
never in a town which at once struck 
him so favorably as a spot where one 
could live out a pleasant life. An- 
other, a real poet, said to us — "If 
Campbell had first visited Easton in 
America, he would never have written 
Gertrude of Wyoming." He was 

speaking of the scenery of Easton, its 
magnificent scenery! What thronging 
memories rise while writing of it! In- 
deed the Delaware and Lehigh, with 
their sister,least but loveliest, and Ida 
and Jefferson, Parnassus and Lafay- 
ette, the Glendon Heights and the 
Chestnut Hills, present one of 
nature's most rare and beauti- 
ful combinations of river and 
rivulet, grove and glade, 

mountain and valley, hill and dale; 
while fame rolls out a pure spot on 
her scroll of immortal names for the 
true poet who makes them his theme 
and does them justice. Have we 
gone too far? Smile on then! Mean- 
while, our heart reposing on the cher- 
(shed memories of these scenes, sings 
Eastonia's hills! my childhood's home! 
Ye spire crowned cliffs, beneath whose 

feet 
Advancing glade — with crests of 

foam — 
The Delaware and Lehigh meet — 
While smiling from her sheltering 
grove, 

The Bushkill greets her sisters twain. 
And on their mingling waters move, 
Majestic to the Eastern main! 
Dear scenes; which nature's hand has 



made 
As fair as in Creation's prime, 
Ere sin had entered Eden's shade. 
And marred her stainless scenes sub- 
lime. 
My native land; your groves among 
Nature her greenest garland wreaths, 
Awakes her wildest woodland song. 
And there her mildest sephyr breathes. 
No pilgrim marks your landscapes gay, 
But with a joy-enkindling eye! 
No pilgrim turns from them away. 
But v.'ith a sad regretful sigh! 

Once more, farewell! Our home of 
the gliding v/ave and grotted dell— of 
the mountain height and beetling shore 
whose dazzling forests seem to blaze 
with gold and crimson colored o'er, 
seen dim through autumn's gathering 
haze — land of our youths! again fare- 
well — for we had not the least idea of 
saying so much of you. 

GEORGE OF MENTZ. 
September 25, 1849. 



Inquiry as to the Forks of the Dela- 
ware. 

Mr. Hetrich: — It is thought by 
LOHie that the place called "The Forks 
of Delaware," where David Brainerd 
preached to the Indians, is at Port 
Jervis, where the Neversink joins the 
Delaware, x^is is held in a historical 
sermon, lately preached and published, 
by the Rev. Peter Knouse, of Wan- 
tage, Sussex county. New Jersey. Oth- 
ers say that it was at Chehocton fur- 
ther north, where the Popacton enters 
the Delaware. This set forth in one 
of the New York papers, in an article 
published a week or so ago. As I 
have been led to think that "The 
Forks" were at Easton, I write for in- 
formation, as it is a question of inter- 
est to those who read the life, and 
admire the character of that good man. 

There are several facts, stated in 
his memoirs, which seem to show that 
x^a£ton was the place. I wish to state 
a few of these facts, and ask that 
pome one in Easton, or vicinity, will, 
if it can be done, answer a few ques- 
tions. Will you permit these answers 
to be published in your paper? 

When Brainerd first travelled to the 
Forks of the Delaware, he passed from 
Connecticut to Fishkill, opposite New- 
berg on the Hudson — thence to Go- 
shen — thence to Minisink in Orange 
county. New York. He then came "to 
a settlement of Irish and Dutch peo- 
ple, and proceeding about twelve 
miles further, arrived at Sakhauwo- 
tung, an Indian settlement within the 
Forks of the Delaware" — (Brainerd's 



213 



life, p. 92, published by the Am. Tract 
Society.) He says, p. 93, "rode three 
or four miles to the Irish people — 
.preached first to the Irish and then to 
the Indians." 

Again, p. 121 "He preached at 
Greenwich in New Jersey." Afterward 
he visited the Indians on the Susque- 
hanna, and came to the "river at a 
place called Opeholpaupung, and found 
there tvv'elve Indian houses," p. 111. 
On his return, after two day's travel, 
he "came to an Irish settlement, with 
which Brainerd was acquainted." I 
suppose this was at the "Irish settle- 
ment," about 12 miles v/est of Easton, 
if it was settled at that time, Oct. 1744. 
Again he visited the Susquehanna at 
a place called Shaumoking, p. 167. 
From Shaumoking he went up the 
North West Branch, to a place called 
"The Great Island, about fifty miles 
frrm fanaumoking." He returned to 
Shaumoking, and went down the riv- 
er September 8, "a few miles," and 
September 9 "a.bout thirty miles" fur- 
ther down p. 291, 292. He probably 
went to an island in the Susquehanna 
which he had visited before p. 169. 
called Juncauta. Taence to Cross- 
weeksung (now Crosswics) in N. J., 
near Bordentown. 

It is stated in Col. Stone's Life of 
Brant, Vol. 1, p. 319, that the 
land lying within the Forks of the 
Delaware, was in dispute the Six 
Nations and the Delawares, and that 
a Grand Council was held at Philadel- 
phia in 1742 on the subject with the 
governor of Pennsylvania. 
The inquiries I wish to make respect- 
ing these statements are as follows: 

1st. — Was there a settlement of 
Irish and Dutch in 1744, about 12 miles 
from Easton up the Delaware, and 
probably on the Jersey side? 
' 2nd. — Is there any place near Easton 
which was railed by the Indians Sak- 
hauwotung? 

3rd. — Was there a settlement of 
Irish people within four miles of Eas- 
ton in 1744? 

4th. — At what place in Greenwich 
did Brainerd preach? Was the church 
of which Rev. Dr. Junkin (David X.) 
is pastor then in existence, or 
the Lutheran church in Greenwich? 

5th. — Shaumoking was probably near 
Sunbury on the Susquehanna. — Can 
any one tell where "The Great Island" 
was, fifty miles up the North West 
branch? Is the island there yet? 

6th. — Is there an island about forty 
miles south of Sunbury called Jun- 
cauta? 



7th. — Are there any written records 
naming "The Forks of the Delaware" 
at that time, and fixing the locality at 
Easton? 

If there is any tradition respecting 
the subject of these inquiries in any 
family, in, or about Easton — if any 
one can refer to authorities, where 
they may be answered, or if there is 
any knowledge to be had, which will 
be positive evidence that the Forks 
were at Easton, Pa., it would serve the 
cause of tiiith, and make the interest 
'?-e all have in the life of Brainerd 
n:ore intelligent and impressive — if 
it should be made public. 

Will you allow me, Mr. Editor, to 
Dsk sny one who can "hold forth light" 
on this subject, to do so, in the col- 
umns of your excellent Journal? 

What sacred associations and reflec- 
tions will arise in the mind of the 
thoughtful traveller, when he knows 
that he approaches and views the 
Kcene of the self-denying labors, and 
the fervent faith of that Godly mis- 
sionary? How benign, to those who 
reside on the very spot, is the mem- 
ory of his faithfulness — his un- 
feigned piety, and his heavenly hopes? 
Yours trulv, 

J. W. W. 

Chester, Orange Co., N. J., October 
31, 1849. 
Reply to Inquiry Concerning the 
"Forks of the Delaware." 

Mr. Hetrick: — In your paper of the 
14th instant, I noticed a communica- 
tion by "J. W W." asking for light on 
the subject of Brainerd's travels, and 
the location of the "Forks of the Dela- 
ware." I will endeavor to shed some 
light upon a few of his questions, leav- 
ing it to those better acquainted with 
the locations about Easton, to answer 
the rest. 

Question 1st. — There was an Irish 
settlement in Allen township, from 12 
to 15 miles west of Easton, at which, 
tradition says, Brainerd preached and 
"•.vas icquainted. The exact time at 
which this settlement was commenced 
is uncertain; probably about the year 
li2B; the oldest title for land in the 
settlement, is dated at London. May 
18, 1732, and many other deeds are 
dated previous to 1744. By that time 
there must hive been considerable of a 
r--^ttlement, and the fact of Brainerd 
having preached here, and its being on 
the road to the Susquehanna would 
designate it as the the "Irish Settle- 
ment" spoken of in his life. Tradition 
says that Brainerd preached to the 
Irish, at a house near where the Pres- 



214 



byterian church now stands. This 
was called "Craig's or Irish settle- 
ment." 

Question 5th. — The name of Shamo- 
kin was at that time, and for years 
after, given to the country in general 
irom below Sunbury to the Muncy 
hills, a distance of 26 miles. The name 
Shamokin is now confined to the large 
creek entering into the Susquehanna, 
about one mile below Sunbury, to a 
township in Nortnumberland county, 
and to the State Dam erected in the 
river near the mouth of the creek. 
From the creek to the "Great Is- 
land," by way of the river is about 
65 miles; but by going up the White 
Deer Valley, where there was then a 
great Indian path, to Jersey Shore, it 
would be but about 50 miles, and no 
doubt this was the way that Brainerd 
travelled. The Island contains from 
five hundred to six hundred acres, and 
is still known as the "Great Island." 

Question 6th. — There is an Island 
about 40 miles below Sunbury, at the 
mouth of the Juniata river, now called 
"Duncan's Island" from one of its ow- 
ners; this is no doubt the one alluded 
to by the name of "Juncauta." 

One other thing I would note. In 
several communications some time 
ago in regard to our creek, "Hocquen- 
ducqua," the name, according to the 
oldest inhabitants, means crooked and 
straight in the Indian tongue. I have 
often heard Dr. Humphreys say so. 

I should like to have some light 
shed on the other questions. I have 
often thought of that good man as 1 
have travelled over the grounds men- 
tioned in this life. 

Yours truly, B. 

Siegfried's Ferry, November 17, lS4y. 
The Forks of the Delaware. 

The following article from the New 
York Presbyterian of the 17th No- 
vember, instant, seems to settle the 
point discussed beyond all reasonable 
doubt. 

Mr. Editor — In your paper of Octo- 
ber 27, is an article headed "The Sy- 
nod," "All honor to the good people 
of Montrose." It is Vv'eil saia ; for I 
VN-as cne of the "eleven who were 
made as much at home as strangers 
could be." Most cordially do I join in 
the reflections of the author of that 
article, especially in those that are 
connected with the life and labors of 
the beloved Brainerd; and I regret to 
do anything, which may prevent the 
author, in future, from indulging in 
like excellent thoughts, v/hen he re- 
members Chehocton, Popacton, and 



the railway station." 

My impression is, that the "Forks of 
Delaware" so often mentioned in Brai- 
nerd's life, is not within a hundred 
miles of Chehocton. There^js much 
diversity in writers who refer to the 
geograpny of Brainerd's labors. A 
sermon on the history of the township 
of Wantage, in North New Jersey, 
places the "Forks" at Port Jervis, 
where the Neversink unites with the 
Delaware. This I think, is also a mis- 
take. Where then are the "Forks? 
Will you hearken to me? I also will 
show mine opinion. 

"The Forks of Delaware" are the 
uelav/are and Lehigh rivers, which 
unite at Easton, Pa. I suppose that 
Easton now occupies the spot where 
Brainerd preached and prayed with 
his Indians at the Forks. The rea- 
sons for this are the follovs^ing: — 

1. — "The Forks" (denoting the angle 
made by two streams) is abvays rep- 
resented as being in Pennsylvania. 
The angle made by either the Popac- 
ton, or Neversink, with the Delaware, 
is in the state of New York. As Penn- 
sylvania does not extend east of the 
Delaware, the tributary that is one 
prong of the "Forks in Pennsylvania" 
must flow from the west. 

2. — Brainerd's route, on his first 
visit to "the Forks," was from Fishkill 
on the Hudson to Goshen, thence to 
Minisink*, thence to an Irish settle- 
ment, thence to Sakhauwotung, an In- 
dian settlement within the Forks of 
the Delaware. (See Brainerd's life, 
published by the Am. Tract society, 
p. 92.) This route leads him toward 
Elaf'ton. and not toward Chehocton. 
Minisink is on the eastern side of the 
Blue Mountains, and extends at the 
foot of the mountains into New Jer- 
sey. There is now a village with a 
post office of that name in Orange 
county, near the mountain, and the 
New York and New Jersey line. The 
settlement of Irish and Dutch, which 
re. came to. v/as probably on Paulin's 
kill, in Knowlton township, Yv'arren 
county, N. J., or at Belvidere. The 
distance of these places is about 12 
miles from Easton; and, by this whole 
route, the distance from Fishkill to 
Easton is very near 100 miles. 

3. Under date of May 2S, 1744, he 
records his return thus: — "Set out 
from the Indians above the Porks of 
the Delaware, on a journey towards 
Newark. N. J. — rode through a wilder- 
ness; was much fatigued with the 
heat; lodged at a place called Black 
Pviver." The "oint of starting is above 



2! 5 



the Forks, and the direction "towards 
Newark." Now "Black River is a 
small village, on a stream of the same 
name, which is the upper pa.rt of the 
north branch of the Raritan, in the 
township of Chester,Morris county.N.J. 
He had been visiting the Indians be- 
tween Belvidere and the Delaware 
Water Gap, probably near Columbia, 
where the Paulin's kill enters the Del- 
aware. From this region a line to 
Newark would lead him to Black river. 
It would have been impossible for him 
to travel from Chehocton, or from the 
Lackawaxen, to Black River in one 
day. Belvidere is 14, and the Dela- 
^vare Gap 24 miles above Baston. 
This agreement of known places and 
distances points clearly to the Forks 
at Easton. 

4. He says, p. 192: "It is more than 
seventy miles from Crossweeksung, 
(now Cross wicks), in New Jersey, to 
the Forks of tbe Delaware, in Pennsyl- 
vania." Crosswicks is four miles east 
of Borden to v/n and nearly seventy 
from Easton. Doubtless Brainerd 

though the distance long; for there 
were no roads in those days, as now. 
But Chehocton is 130 miles from 
Crosswicks.** 

*Two days were consumed in tra'i- 
elling from Minisink to "the Forks", 
a much longer time than necessary 
to reach either Port Jervis or Chehoc- 
ton. Besides he went down the river. 
— Er!itor Whig. 

**More than that distance— it is :^,t 
least 1*^5 miles. — Editor Whig. 

Again, he says at the same place, 
sundry of the Indian settlements on 
the Susquehanna, which I visited, is 
more than an hundred and twenty 
miles." The same, under date of Sep- 
tember 9, 1744; but adds here, that 
the town he aimed toward was west 
of the Forks. These conditions can- 
not be fulfilled on the supposition that 
the Forks are at Chehocton. Again, 
October 2, 1744, he starts on his first 
visit to the Susquehanna from the 
Forks; "travelled about 2,5 miles, and 
lodged in one of the last houses on 
the road." This house, we suppose, 
was near the "Lehigh Water Gap, ' 
about 2o miles west of Easton. The 
next day, he "had scarce anything else 
but lofty mountains, deep valleys and 
hideous rocks to raake his way 
through." The mountains around 
Mauch Chunk will v/ell ansv/er tliiii 
description. On the fourth day they 
reached the Susquehanna. Re.aaining 
but four days, October 9, they started 
on their return. They travelle.l "with 



great steadiness," from 5 a. m. to 6 
p. m., then "made a fire and a shelter of 
bark, and so rested." "The v/olves 
howled around us, but God preserved 
us." "The next day they rose early 
and at night came to an Irish set- 
tlement with which Brainerd was ac- 
quainted, and lodged there. On the 
following day, both he and Mr. Byram 
"preached to the people." The next 
day they rode to the Forks. This "Irish 
Settlement" was about 15 miles vv^est 
of Easton. It is still known by the 
same name, and the present generation 
holds traditions of Brainerd's preach- 
ing there. Now, from Chehocton to 
tne Susquehanna, due west, is not 
over thirty miles. The distance, the 
time of travel, the designation of lo- 
calities, all point to Easton, as the 
place then called "the Forks." 

5. November 5, 1744. "Set out on a 
journey to New York." November 21st: 
"Rode from Newark to Rockciticus, 
(Mendham) November 22: "Came on 
my way from Rockciticus to the Dela- 
ware." The distance from Isewark 
to Easton is about seventy miles, 
which might be travelled in two days, 
and the most direct route would be 
through Mendham, of Rockciticus." 
But "the Forks," at Chehocton would 
be quite out of the way. 

6. "On Friday, June 7, 1745, he 
went on a journey of near fifty miles, 
to Neshaminy, to assist at a sacramen- 
tal occasion, to be attended at Mr. 
Beatty's meeting house ' (p. 123.) He 
started from "tue Forks" and Nesham- 
iny, in the southern part of Bucks 
county, Pa., is well Imown as the place 
where the first Rev. Win. Tennent 
preached. It is "nearly fiity sniles" 
from Easton, hut it is more than loO 
f;-0-n Chehocton. and over one hundred 
from Port Jervis. If v/e suppose 'the 
Forks" to be at Easton, all is plain 
and corLsistent. 

7. lJr;unerd m.ade three visits to the 
Susquehanna, and if we allow "the 
Forks" to be at Easton, the record of 
his travels is consistent, but not oth- 
erwise. The principal place on that 
river, that he visited every time, was 
Shaurnokin. He says, under date Sep- 
tentl^r 9-13, that this was a large town, 
upwards of fifty houses, and that it 
lay by west of the Forks. The In- 
di.m name is still retained, and 
marks a locality on the Susquehanna, 
about 120 miles v/est of Easton. Ther.> 
is the Shamokin creek, falling into 
the river a short distance below Sun- 
bury; there are the Shamokin moun- 
tains and the Shamokin Gap. (See 3.1 



2l6 



Ann. Rep. Geol. Survey of Pa. p. 30). 
Frcm this place during liis third visit, 
Brainerd went up the northwestern 
branch of the Susquehanna, "toward a 
place called the Great Island," about 
50 miles distant from Shamokin, Sep- 
tembe • 1, 1746. This is a large island 
near Berwick. He returned to Shamo- 
kin, and thence proceeded down the 
river, (as he had done before, on his 
second visit, September 19, 1745), to 
an island called Juneauta, September 
8 ana 9, 1746. This island is below 
the place where the river leaves the 
Blue Mountains, and still preserves its 
name. By going to this point, he 
avoided the hideous mountainsbetween 
Sunbury and Easton. It is to be notic- 
ed that, on his second visit, he took 
this route to return to the Forks, (pp. 
129, 130,) which he certainly would not 
have done if the Forks had been at 
Port Jervis, Lackawaxen or Chehoc- 
ton. 

8. February 10, 1745, Brainerd 
preached at Greenwich, in New Jer- 
sey, (pp. 121, 122.) This preaching 
place was eight miles from his house 
at "the Forks." Now the nearest 
point in New Jersey to Chehocton is 
at Port Jervis But Greenwich was 
in New Jersey, directly opposite Eas- 
ton. The present townships of 
Greenwich and Oxford were both in- 
cluded under Greenwich, in the time 
of Brainerd, the latter being then 
called Upper Greenwich. In the old 
Presbyterian church of Oxford, about 
two miles east of Belvidere, "the Rev. 
David Brainerd, Indian Missionary, 
preached sundry times." (Historical 
collections of New Jersey, p. 504.) This 
fixes the Forks at Easton. 

9. The land in the Forks of the 
Delaware was in dispute, between the 
Six Nations and the Delawares; and, 
in 1742, they met in grand council at 
Philadelphia, with the governor of 
Pennsylvania, respecting this matter. 
The history of this dispute shows, that 
"the Forks" then included the pres- 
ent locality of Easton. (Brant's Life, 
by Stone, vol. 1. p. 320.) 

10. There are now at Easton and in 
Greenwich, well authenticated tradi- 
tions respecting Brainerd, as hr "ing 
preached there both to the Indians 
and the Dutch. The title of the 

"rainerd Evangelical Society," in La- 
fayette college, at Easton, was sug- 
gested by the labors of that holy man 
on that spot. 

These are my reasons for believing, 
that "The Forks of the Delaware" re- 
ferred to the place now occupied by 



Easton, Pa. I have written so much 
at length, because the 'mistake has 
often been made, which "one of the 
brethren" has again made public. 

MOSES FINDA FAUTAURY. 
Chester, Orange Co., N. Y. 

"Forks of the Delaware." 
Mr. Hetrich: — The subject has been 
discussed in your paper whether "The 
Forks of the Delaware," the scene, in 
part, of Brainerd's labours, are located 
at Easton, Pennsylvania, or some oth- 
er place. The article in your last pa- 
per has settled that question satisfac- 
torily, I suppose. As all writers, etc., 
seemed to speak of it in connection 
with this town, I did not know that 
any one seriously doubted the accura- 
cy. Perhaps it may be interesting to 
some to knov/ what was the opinion of 
the community here and elsewhere be- 
fore and shortly after Brainerd's time. 
1 will give you an extract from an old 
record of a Lutheran church, which 
existed near Easton, and was engaged 
in the cause of Christ at an early day, 
and which record is now in the pos- 
session of the Lutheran church in 
Williams township, under Rev. Mr. 
Kemmerer, to which it was afterwards 
transferred. This is the title page; 
"Gemeinde Augaburgischer Confession 
in Sacon, bei Philip Schlauch, ohnweit 
der grossen Lechau and Farek Dela- 
war Revier, 1740, Rev. J. J. Bircken- 
stock," i. e. — The Lutheran Congre- 
gation in Saucon, at Philip Schlauch's, 
near the great Lehigh and Fork Dela- 
ware river, (not rivers, but the Le- 
tork of the Forks of the Delaware 
river) 1740, Rev. J. J. Birckenstock, 
being four years before Brainerd. (Two 
records in this book are A. D. 1733.) 

The Lutheran community, and nec- 
essarily the community generally, at 
a distance, regarded Easton in the 
same light. In proof of this I will give 
•. ou an extract from a work, known as 
■"the Hallische Nachrichten," contain- 
ing an account of Lutheran churches 
in Pennsvlvania. Dr. Henry Melchior 
Muhlenberg, speaking of the severe 
labours of himself and brethren, says 
p 674,"a congregation in Saucon, 
about 50 miles from Philadelphia, (to 
v/hich afterwards were added those of 
Tohicon, at Forks of the Delaware, 
Upper Milford and Saccona,) united 
with us," grouping these all near Sau- 
con in this county. This letter was 
written A. D. 1754, and refers the 
transactiop to 1746—7. Again p. 651, 
"The congregation at the Forks of 
Delaware, Eiccona, Saccum. etc., 
(grouping tlio.n together) "and several 

217 



smaller ones beyond the Blue Moun- 
tains," (Forks then must have been 
this side of the Blue Mountains). He 
then speaks of "a large region further 
northwest than Forks of Delaware to- 
wards the Blue Mountains, in which 
there are four congregations, viz: — 
(Heidelberg, Weissenberg, Jordan, Ma- 
cungie," all of which are in Lehigh 
county, and not about Port Jervis, etc. 
He also speaks of a candidate of The- 
ology (L. Schrenk) having been plac- 
ed at the Forks of the Delaware, and 
we know that a Lutheran minister of 
that name preached in Saucon, Eas- 
ton, etc., A. D. 1749. 

Judging from the internal evidence 
in Brainerd's Journal; from the ex- 
tracts abcve, indicative of popular sen- 
timent before and after Brainerd's 
time, which probably might be inter- 
ested if I had leisure to search),— and 
from the general agreement of writ- 
ers on the subject, I should suppose 
there remained no doubt, and the 
question should be regarded as defi- 
nitely settled, about the Forks of the 
Delaware being at Easton. Excuse 
me, if I have performed a work of 
supererogation. 

J. W. R. (Rev. J. W. Richards.) 
Easton, Pa., December 11, 1849. 



"ForKs of the Delaware." 

Mr. Hetrick. — Joseph Knowles, in 
his account of the "day and a half's 
walk" by James Yeates and Edward 
Marshall, for the proprietors of Penn- 
sylvania and the Indians, under date 
of June 30, 1757, says: "I, Joseph 
Knowles, living with Timothy Smith 
at the time of the 'day and a half's 
walk' with the Indians (Timothy 
Smith, then sheriff for Bucks county,) 
do say, that I v/ent sometime before 
to carry the chain, and to help to clear 
a road, as directed by my uncle, Tim- 
othy Smith. When the walk was per- 
formed, I v/as then present, a,nd car- 
ried provisions, liquors, and bedding. 
About sun-rising we set out from John 
Chapman's corner, at WrigLtstown, 
and travelled until we came to the 
"Forks of the Delaware," as near as I 
can remember was about one of tho 
clock the same day, etc." The starting 
point for. this "day and a half's walk" 
was at a certain Spruce tree on the 
river Delaware, in Bucks county, about 
45 miles from the Lehigh — or as it is 
marked on a map of the "Province of 
Pennsylvania," published in the year 
1759, the "West Branch of the Dela- 
ware. The walk was performed 
either in the latter part of September 



or beginning of October; the time from 
sunrise to one o'clock p. m. at that 
time of the year is not quite seven 
Hours, giving about 6 1-2 miles to the 
hour. To accomplish this is a possi- 
bility for a pedestrian, such as Marsh- 
all is reported to have been, while tak- 
ing the Lackawaxen as the "Porks 
of Delaware," a walk from the spruce 
tree thither would have been an utter 
luipossibility for any man, even for 
Marshall, to accomplish in seven 
hours. 

If we are willing to receive Knowles 
as authority, it settles the question 
at once, that the "Forks of Delaware" 
were north of the Lecnauhanne (Le- 
high) or Fork stream, and west of the 
Delaware, zad neither in New Jersey, 
nor at th^ confluence of tne Lacka- 
waxen and Delaware. 

It is, however, to be remarked that 
the "Forks of Delaware, were 
not only the spot at the confluence of 
the Lehigh and Delaware, but that a 
laige boay of land between tnese two 
rivers was all known and designated 
uy that name, ieates' and Marshall 
struck the Lehigh, not at Easton, but 
at a point between Easton and the 
great bend of the river, very probable 
at the old ford at Jonej' island, about 
a mile belov/ Bethlehem, for this was 
the well known crossing place on the 
Indian path leading from the lower 
county to Diahogo, (Tioga). 

The map of the province referred to 
already, has the "walk of a day and a 
half" marked down, crossing the Le- 
high at the point as just stated, and 
running up along the river to beyond 
a large creek north of Kittatin:iey 
mountain, (name not given, but) prob- 
ably Pokopoka. 

The proprietors of the province about 
the year 1733 miade a lottery of lands 
in 200 acre lots, part of which lots were 
situated in the "Forks of Delaware," 
within the limits of the grant of which 
the "day and a half's walk" formed 
the western boundary. This grant, dis- 
puted and denied as having been made 
by the Delawares, but confirmed by 
the Six Nations, was within a line 
from the spruce tree v/est towards the 
Neshaminy creek, thence a "day and a 
half's walk" to about thirty miles be- 
yond the Lechav Hills (Lehigh moun- 
tain) thence south-east in a straight 
line through te Minisink Indian lands 
to the Delaware about ninp miles be- 
low the mouth of th^ Lackav/axen, 
thence south along the Delaware river 
to the spruce tree, the plac"» of begin- 
ning.) The tract within those bounds 



:8 



took in the best of the land in the 
Forks and all the Minisinks. From 
the map referred to, it would appear 
that at least all the lands between 
the Delaware and Lehigh rivers, 
and the Kittatinny mountain was 
once known as the "Forks of Dela- 
ware," — and Knowles in his account, 
says, that they proceeded on the first 
uay of the walk till the sun was 
down, and that they were then near 
the Indian town in the Forks. Sun- 
set at that time of the year is about a 
quarter before six — they had there- 
fore aavanced about five hours walk 
since they had crossed the Lehigh at 
one o'clock. Five hours at six miles 
per hour would bring them to beyond 
the Kittatinny, but allow even only 
four miles per hour during the after- 
noon, and they would be at or very 
near, the foot of the mountain. Here, 
then, we have Knowles' evidence that 
the Forks extended as high up the 
country as the end of the first day's 
walk, i. e., at least, near the Kittatinny, 
Another circumstance which points to 
the locality of the Forks as not con- 
fined to the spot where the rivers 
meet, is the fact, that the Indian town, 
Welaganiika, which was somewhere 
on the Nazareth tract when it was 
purchased, was also in the "Forks of 
Delaware" and it hardly admits of any 
doubt, but that all the land in the 
triangle formed by the Delaware and 
Lehigh and the Kittatinny, was in old- 
en times known by the general appel- 
lation of the "Forks of the Dela- 
ware.' R. S. R. 
Bethlehem, December 15, 1849. 



Easton Female Seminary. 

E. DEAN DOW, M. A Principal. 

This seminary will be opened for the 
reception of young ladies on the third 
Monday of April 15th inst. 

The systematic plan of instruction 
and government is such as fully to 
meet the wants of a high disciplinary 
and finished female education. Young 
ladies are received into the family of 
the principal as boarders where they 
will enjoy special care and privileges 
of instruction. 

Parents in the adjoining vicinity, 
may enjoy the benefit of this institu- 
tion, under an arrangement for 
"Weekly Boarders," from Monday till 
Friday — and by furnishing their own 
beds, bedding, towels, etc., and wash- 
ing done at home — they will be charg- 
ed $15 less per session, than constant 
boarders; but enjoy at the same time 
equal attention and privileges of in- 



struction. 

Charges: — For boarders $75 per ses- 
sion of 22 weeks, which includes tui- 
tion in all the English branches, board, 
washing, fuel, lights, etc "Weekly 
Boarders", $60 per session. 

The tuition of day scholars varies 
from $4 per quarter, of 11 weeks — to 
$9 — according to the department they 
are in. 

Parents abroad, wishing further in- 
formation of this seminaiy, will be 
cheerfully supplied with the prospec- 
tus, giving a full outline of the course 
of instruction and government, or oth- 
er personal information by addressing 
the principal. 
Easton, February 20, 1850. 



Young Ladies' Institute. 

This institute which has been in 
successful operation for more than 
three years — continues to afford great 
advantages to taose who wish to pur- 
sue a thorough course in the various 
branches of English, Ornamental and 
Classical education. Its next session 
will commence on Monday, the ISth of 
February. 

Terms per session of 22 weeks: — 

Tuition in English $10 50 

Music (piano) 12 00 

use of the piano 4 00 

The ancient and modern lan- 
guages, painting, drawing, 

worsted and wax work, etc. 

(each) 6 00 

Incidental expenses 25 

Or for $20 per session a pupil may 
attend to all the branches named 
above, (music excepted.) 
THOS. M. CANN, A. M., Principal. 
Mrs. SARAH S. CANN, Associate 

Principal. 
Miss E. A. RICKSECKER, Assistant 

and Teacher of Music. 
Miss M. C. KITTREDGB. Teacher of 

Vocal and Instrumental Music. 

References may be made to the fol- 
lowing gentlemen who are patrons 
of the institute. (Names not given.) 
Easton, February 6, 1850. 

Telegraphic Despatch. 

( Postscript.) 

Associate Judge — JACOB WEY- 
GANDT. 

A telegraphic despatch was receiv- 
ed at the Easton office, yesterday af- 
ternoon, announcing the gracxi.ying in- 
telligence that Jacob Weygandt, Esq., 
of this borough, was, on that day, nom- 
inated by Governor Johnston, and 
unanimously confirmed by the Senate 
as Associate Judge. This will be grat- 



219 



ifying intelligence to the people )f the 
county of Northampton. 
..pril 3, 1850. 



Manner of Announcing Deaths in the 
evangelical Lutheran Church of St. 
John, Easton. 

All deaths will be announced in fu- 
ture at sunset. For a child under 
fourteen years, ten single strokes of 
the bell— for a married person, ten 
double strokes —for a single person 
over fourteen years, ten strokes, alter- 
nating single and double. 
April 10. loSO. 



His Honor Jacob Weygandt, was 
inducted into office, this term. From 
his known abilities as a magistrate — 
his legal attainments and his lofty in- 
nependence of character, we predict 
tnat he will make a most able and use- 
ful judge. 

April 17, 1850. 



Wechquetank. 
Mr. Hetrich: — If you have ever trav- 
elled up the Wilkesbarre turnpike, you 
will have observed that but a very 
short distance this side of Brodhead's 
tavern, in Chestnuthill township,Mon- 
roe county, you enter into a long but 
narrow valley running in northeast and 
southeast direction, (near its head or 
eastern extremity) bounded on its 
southern side by the Chestnuthill 
ridge, and on its northern by a hill 
located between the ridge just nam- 
ed and the Pocono mountain. Though 
the eye cannot fail to be delighted and 
pleased as you look down this valley 
in the direction of the Lehigh river 
from your carriage while travelling 
along the turnpike, it would not in any 
particular manner strike you as any- 
thing extraordinary. But if you cross 
the Chestnuthill ridge on the road 
leading from the Monroe valley into 
this, you will, on descending the north- 
ern slope of the ridge, enjoy one 
of the prettiest views that perhaps our 
whole state is able to present to the 
eye. A valley level as a floor, under a 
high state of cultivation dotted with 
near farm houses, inhabited by an in- 
dustrious, thrivi-ng population, tra- 
versed by clear, transparent streams, 
is spread out before you, and affords 
to the eye a feast from which you are 
loth to turn away. You will look again 
and again, and hours are too short 
to take in all the beauties of the 
scene. This pretty spot under the sun 
—this oasis amidst the rugged and 
barren hills, which you stand thus 



viewing and admiring, is the Wechque- 
tank valley; a valley commencing 
a short distance east of the turnpike 
and extending in a southwesterly di- 
rection to the river Lehigh, varying 
at different places in its breadth or 
width say from one-eighth to two 
miles. Two creeks Head's (originally 
Hoeth's) creek and Wire creek, the 
former entering the valley below Mr. 
Daily's store, the latter having its 
source in two small lakes in the valley, 
whence it originally derived its name 
Weiber (corrupted into Wire) creek, 
pass through the valley part of the way 
and then unite in one stream which at 
the present day is known by the name 
of Big Creek or Pokopoka, but whose 
original Indian name, in all probability 
was Wechquetank. With your kind 
permission v/e will record in the Whig 
and Journal a few of the events con- 
nected with the early history of the 
tetTlement of this valley. 

About the year 1748 a man by the 
name of Hoeth emigrated from the dis- 
trict of Zweybruecken in Bavaria, to 
the United States and settled in 
Philadelphia. While there he sent 

hischildren to the school in con- 
nexion with the Moravian church, but 
apprehensive that they might at more 
mature age, be led away into evil 
habits, he resolved upon leaving the 
city, and accordingly removed with 
his family to beyond the Blue moun- 
tain and settled on the Wechquetank. 
Whether he was at that time in con- 
nection with the Moravian church as 
a full member, does not appear, but 
probably so, as he was in the habit of 
visiting at Nazareth, and in those days 
of non-counting cost, his visits were 
reciprocated by the ministers at Naz- 
areth and by itinerant preachers of the 
church, all of whom heeded neither 
difficulties, (remember there was no 
turnpike then), nor dangers. (but 
plenty of ferocious Indians, rattle- 
snakes, etc., etc.) nor distance, (the 
journey was then made on foot with 
staff in hand,) if they could but win 
one soul for eternity. Of Hoeth's fam- 
ily, one daughter after captivity among 
the Indians settled at Bethlehem and 
died there in 1770, at the age of 
thirty years. 

Hoeth's residence in the valley was 
not of long continuance. A few days 
after the surprise and murder at Gna- 
denhuetten on the Mahony, in No- 
vember, 1755, while sitting at the sup- 
ner table with his family, they aeard 
the report of a gun. Apprehending no 
danger, Hoeth opened the door to see 



220 



what this all meant when he was at- 
tacked by the Indians and killed on 
the spot. The mother and four daugh- 
ters escaped through the back door, 
the former of whom jumped into the 
creek, but together with the youngest 
of the children, was murdered by the 
Indians, and the three remaining 
daughters were carried away captive 
by these, one of whom only returned 
from her captivity. 

After the massacre at Gnadenhuet- 
tbn, all ready alluded to, the congre- 
gation of Indian believers, residing at 
New Gnadenhuetten, on the opposite 
side of the Lehigh, fled; partly at 
Bethlehem and partly to Wa- 
jomik (Wyoming) on the 

Susquehanna. Cut off as the lat- 
ter now were from their Christian 
countrymen, and surrounded on all 
sides by savages and warriors, they 
soon fell into abject misery, both in 
a temporal and spiritual view. To 
those who had retired to Bethlehem 
fL'T safety, a spot of land was given 
upon the return of more peaceful 
times, in the year 1757, about two 
miles west of Bethlehem. There they 
built themselves the town subse- 
quently called Main, reorganized into a 
congregation, to which the Missionaries 
Mack, Schmick and Gnibe, dispensed 
the gospel and sacraments. By the 
giadual return of nearly all of those 
who had tied to Wajomik, the major- 
ity of whom settled at Nain. this town 
in the course of a few years became 
too small to contain them all, and the 
authorities of the church therefore re- 
solved upon founding or establishing 
a second mission station, and accord- 
ingly in the year 1760, purchased a 
tract of land, containing 1400 acres on 
the Wechquetank. In April of the 
same year, Missionary .loachim Sense- 
man, with thirty baptized Indians of 
the Delaware tribe, removed to this 
new station, and on the 28th of that 
month, the first religious service was 
held under the canopy of heaven. The 
town was located near the residence 
of the late Hoeth, and on the 6th of 
May the missionary's house was so far 
finished as to afford him shelter, nor 
did it require much more time before 
the church was finished, for already 
on the 26th of June, could they con- 
f.ecrate it with praise and thanksgiv- 
ing to the worship of the Triune God. 

For three years this mission flour- 
ished and the gospel was proclaimed 
by the faithful missionary, both week 
days and on every returning Sabbath, 
to resident and visitor, but in May 



1763, hostilties recommenced — the 
tomahawk of the savage was again 
put in requisition, and along the lakes 
as well as on the Ohio, the peace- 
able, unoffending residents were cruel- 
ly murdered by hundreds. Neither did 
the inhabitants of the province of 
Pennsylvania escape unm.olested. 

Evil disposed men succeeded in pre- 
vailing upon the rabble to extermi- 
nate all peaceable Indians, under plea 
that the havoc made on the lakes and 
along the Ohio, was a judgment of the 
Almighty, because the Whites had not 
destroyed and annihilated the Indians 
long ago, but had suffered them to re- 
main amongst them thus far, and 
tnerefore insisted upon the utter de- 
struction of all the Redmen, whether 
savage or Christian. 

Oxir friends at Wechquetank were 
therefore in common with others, in 
the most imminent danger, and the 
church authorities at Bethlehem, had 
already sent a most pressing request 
to Mr. Grube, at the time the resident 
missionary, and his congregation, to 
quit their settlement without delay, 
and proceed at once to Nazareth, 
whence wagons would be despatched 
to convey them to the latter place. 
Notwithstanding the great peril to 
which they were continually exposed, 
the Christian Indians, and their un- 
daunted missionary, remained firm at 
fhPir station until October of the same 
year. The danger having now become 
so threatening that further hesitation 
ar.d dv-^!ay would have been little short 
of madness, they left Wechquetank at 
noon on the 11th of that month, not 
without sorrow and grief, as we may 
well suppose, at the necessity of part- 
ing from and forsaking their pleasant 
anode, and of leaving behind them 
to the destruction or mercy of their 
enemies, all their grain, the entire 
produce of their last harvest, together 
with some of their stock and cattle. 
The following day they arrived in safe- 
ty at Nazareth, and their town was 
soon after destroyed and burned down 
to the ground by their persecutorB. 

The Indians never returned to this 
place nor was the town ever rebuilt. 
The Wechquetank valley was subse- 
quently used for a number of years 
by the farmers of Christian Spring 
and other places for grazing cattle, 
which they were in the habit of driv- 
ing thither in spring and fetching 
home in fall. In course of time the 
land was sold to white settlers, nev- 
ertheless the ministers at Nazareth 
continued their visits to those settlers 



to the end of the last century.and were 
wont to preach in the house of a farm- 
er by the name of George' Huth, whose 
brother, Adam Huth, resided at Chris- 
tian Springs. 

The town of Wechquetank stood in 
the forks of Head's and Wire Creek, 
about a quarter of a mile above their 
confluence, and the site of the same 
is known and pointed out to this day; 
the graveyard is still there, but very 
lew of the graves can be discerned. 
Some few apple trees, still in bearing 
rondition, planted by the hands of the 
first settlers, yet remain as a memen- 
to of by-gone days. Could they speak, 
what untold deeds of cruelty commit- 
ted by the savage red — and unprinci- 
pled white men — as well as scenes of 
sim.ple and childlike reliance of the 
uelieving Christian Indian, on the pro- 
tecting, guardian care of the Almigh- 
ty, in all perils and dangers, and of 
the devotedness of the fruitful mis- 
sionary to the welfare, spiritual and 
temporal, of his brown flock, might 
they not reveal to us. The cruel sav- 
age has vanished, but with him also 
vanished the flourishing congregation 
cf believing. Christian Indians, and 
while the former still lords it in his 
native forest home, the latter have 
dwindled down to a m.ere shadow, al- 
most lost in the interminable wilds of 
the Far. Far West. But Wechquetank 
remains, and the wild scenes once an- 
acted there, have passed away and 
made room for the peaceful occupation 
of the husbandman, whose thriftiness 
and industry, v/iih the blessing of the 
Almighty, have made it to "blossom 
aoimdantly." 

The site of the old town with ad- 
joining lands, is now owned by Mr. 
Kresge, who has at different times 
while ploughing in his fields, found 
many things which once belonged t,<) 
Christian Indians who resided on tho 
spot; among the rest only a few yea.:s 
ago, a blacksmith's hammer. 

It is a pity, and very much to be re- 
gretted, that the name of Wechque- 
tank, which eighty or a hundred years 
ago, was so well known, and is so in- 
timately connected with the events 
vvhich transpired in that valley, should, 
apparently at least, be destined to be 
lost entirely and buried in oblivion — 
and even now, to be known in the val- 
ley itself, only traditionally. Could not 
the residents thereof be instrumental 
in reviving and perpetuating the 
same. There is a valley on the tract 
which might exchange its present 
name if it have one, for the ancient 



name of the valley, or if it have none, 
it might assume the same. Or a post 
office, of which there are several, one 
of which is called Schaefer's — the 
other Effort P. O. either of which 
would not suffer by a change of name, 
as the one is not the property of Mr. 
Schaefer, nor did it require anything 
much of an effort, with the general 
post ofnce, to establish the other. Or 
if the residents will not move in the 
matter, will not our antiquaries step 
and aid, in rescuing the name of 
v/echquetank from obscurity, and in 
restoring it to remembrance, and in- 
suring to it perpetuitv. 

R. S. R. 
April 24, 1850. 

(A monument to mark the site of 
Wechqiieta,nk was erected by the Mo- 
ravian Historical society about two 
years ago.) 



Died. 



Died in this borough, on Monday 
last, Maj. John Lewis, aged 59 years. 
The deceased rendered good service 
as a soldier of the late war under Gen. 
Harrison, in the Northv/estern army. 
His remains will be interred this af- 
ternoon at the Presbyterian church, 
with military honors. 

July 10, 1850. 



The Model School. 

The .subscriber would respectfully 
announce to his friends and all inter- 
ested in the cause of education, that 
he has leased the Model School build- 
ing attached to Lafayette college, for 
me purpose of a boarding and day 
school for boys and young men. His 
first session will commence on Mon- 
day, November 4. He will teach the 
common, classical and commercial 
branches. For terms and all further 
particulars inquire of the principal or 
the faculty of the college. 

DANIEL E. PHILLIPS, A. M., 
Principal. 

November 13, 1850. 



Large Church Bell. 

The new bell for the German Re- 
formed church of this place, was 
sv/ung in the tower on Monday last. 
The bell was cast at the foundry in 
Bast Medvv-ay, Mass. It is of a fine 
deep tone, measures about 12 feet in 
circumference, and weighs 2,050 
pounds. 

On Saturday last another bell was 
brought up by the Lehigh Transporta- 
tion company, for the church recently 
erected by our neighbors of Riegels- 



ville. "We understand it weighs about 
700 pounds. 

December 18, 1850. 



1851. 



The late Matthew S. Henrj% whose 
history of the Lehigh Valley has be- 
come valuable by reason of its con- 
tents and the scarcity of the book, 
was an occasional contributor to the 
newspapers of Easton. He was bom 
in 1790, spent most of his days in 
^Northampton county, and with a fond- 
ness for the history and legends of 
the community early began to collect 
and preserve the fruits of his diligent 
researches. He knew personally many 
of the first settlers and survivors of 
the Indian and revolutionai-y wars 
from whom he collected much interest- 
ing information. At his death in 1862 
he had compiled and written consider- 
able on a history of the county which 
he intended to publish. Some of this 
material is in the writer's possession 
and will form the subject of future 
contributions. The following from Mr. 
Henry's pen appeared in the Easton 
Whig under the dates indicated: 

Revolutionary Heroes. 
No. 1. 

Mr. Hetrich: — In my researches for 
matter of history of the "olden time," 
of Northampton county, I met with 
many names of actors "in the time 
that tried men's souls," yet none more 
conspicuously so, amongst a host of 
others than Jacob and John Arndt. 
Of these gentlemen it can emphatic- 
ally be said, that they risked their 
"lives, fortunes and sacred honor." 
Both father and son are deserving of 
the gratitudee of all freemen. A 
writer of a publication, which, in the 
year 1799, appeared in print, in refer- 
ence to Jacob Arndt, says: 

"At that time, (in allusion to the 
revolutionary struggles,) I well yet 
recollect that Jacob Arndt, the fath- 
er of John and Jacob, who is now an 
old man, was so loved by his fellow- 
citizens, and not only elected but so- 
licited to accept and serve them as 
their representative in the conven- 
tion for forming a constitution for the 
government of Pennsylvania in the 
Assembly, and executive council under 
that constitution, and whilst in that 
service, I also recollect to have heard 
the Republicans of that day say and 
declare that if the British prevailed 
in that contest, there would be no mer- 
cy or pardon for old Arndt, but he 
must die with a rope around his neck, 



of which they themselves run no 
risque." 

Jacob Arndt, (or, as he spelt his 
name, Orndt,) was the son of Bern- 
hard Arndt, who at an early period 
had emigrated to this country, from 
Germany and settled in Bucks county, 
was born in the year 1725. At the 
time of the breaking out of the French 
or Indian war, in 1755, he was ap- 
pointed captain, and took the com- 
mand of a company of troops at Fort 
Allen, near where Weissport, in Car- 
bon county, now stands, momentarily 
exposed to the scalping knife of the 
then ferocious Indian. Many a tale 
of woe enacted in that vicinity is re- 
corded. Husbands, wives, sons and 
daughters were indiscriminately mur- 
dered by the cruel and bloodthirsty 
savages. The massacres in the vicin 
ity of that fort are yet fresh in the re- 
collection of numbers of families who 
lost fathers and mothers or other rel- 
atives there. In the year 1757, Jacob 
Arndt was appointed major, to which 
rank he was promoted through his 
merits as an officer. He took the com- 
mand of Fort Augusta, situate in the 
immediate vicinity of Sunbury, in 
Northumberland county. This fort 
was then the principal one in the 
whole line of forts from the North 
river to the Potomac, in Virginia. I 
find from a statement of the disposi- 
tion of the provincial troops at the 
different posts on the frontier, dated 
July 12, 1758, that 197 men were on 
duty then at this fort, under the com- 
mand of Major Jacob Arndt, Captains 
Trump and Montgomery, Lieutenants 
Pierce and Conyngham, and Ensigns 
Henry and Aston; and from a letter 
liom Jacob Young, paymaster of the 
Continental troops, dated October 24. 
1759, it appears that Jacob Arndt yet 
remained there at that period. In the 
proceedings of the Assembly, as well 
as by the governor, Mr. Arndt is fre- 
quently alluded to as an efficient offi- 
cer. 

After the close of the first Indian 
war. he roturne-i to Bucks <'■n^^v.t". and 
soon after purchased a mill property 
in Forks township, in Northampton 
county, from John Jones, to which 
place he removed in 1760. This mill 
property is now owned by Samuel 
Yohe, Esq. Soon after his becoming 
a citizen of our county, he was ap- 
pointed one of the justices of our 
courts, in which capacity he regularly 
attended the courts for a long series 
of years. 

In the year 1763, the Indians again 



223 



commencing their murderous excur- 
sions into the country, along the fron- 
tier setiienients, Jacob Arndt was 
again elected captain of a volunteer 
company, mostly neighboring farmers 
associating themselves together for 
the purpose of protecting their lives 
and property from destruction, under 
tae following agreement: 

"We, the subscribers, as undersign- 
ed, do hereby .iointly and severally 
hgi-Qe, taat, o ;.coo Orndt shall be our 
captain for three months from the 
nRte o( (.ne-ie presents, and be always 
ready to obey him when he sees occa- 
sion to call us together, in pursuing 
the Indians, or helping any of us that 
shall happen to be in distress by the 
dians. Each person to find arm.s, pow- 
<]^v ir.:i l9?.d ct our own cost, and have 
no pay; but each person to find him- 
self in all necessaries. To which ar- 
ticles, convenant and agreement we 
bind ourselves in the penal sum of five 
pounds, lawful money of Pennsylvania, 
ior the use of the company, to be laid 
out for arms and ammunitions, unless 
the person so refusing to obey, shall 
shew a lawful reason. Given under 
our hands this 13th day of October, 

"Signed by Jacob Orndt, Peter Sipe, 
Michael Lawall, Adam Hay, Paul Able, 
and thirty-four others." 

In the revolutionary struggle Mr. 
Arndt took an early and decided part 
and as a gentleman who had the con- 
fidence of the public, was appointed 
one of the persons who represented 
tue county in the Convention and Pro-' 
vincial Committee. In the commission- 
ers' records the following entry ap- 
pears on the 29th. day of April, 1775. 

"An order was drawn in favor of 
.Jacob Orndt, Lewis Gordna, Peter 
Kichlein, John Okely, and George Tay- 
lor, the committee appointed for this 
county for their attendance at Phila- 
delphia eleven days at the provincial 
committe in July last, upon the public 
business of the county, and ten days 
at the provincial convention in Jan- 
uary last, at the rate of ten shillings 
per day, as recommended by the grand 
inquest last September sessions." 

In the year 1776, Mr. Arndt was 
elected a member of the Legislature 
and one of the members of the execu- 
tive council under the constitution 
then framed. In the year 1782-3, he 
was again successively elected a mem- 
ber of Assembly. Amongst Mr. Arndt's 
papers, I found the following instruc- 
tion to the members of the Legislature 
from this district: 



"On the 20th day of August, 1783, at 
a county meeting held at Conrad Krei- 
der's (now Kreidersville, in Allen 
township,) convened for the purpose 
of framing instructions to the then 
mem.bers elect, Jacob Orndt, Jonas 
Hartzell, Jacob Stroud, Robert Latti- 
more, and Peter Koehler, appear to 
have agreed in a number of items of 
instruction, one of which is to the 
lOilowing etfect: 

"That this meeting most earnestly 
entreat and enjoin you to procure a 
law to be passed to prevent the re- 
turn into this state of such persons, as 
during the war, have joined, aided, or 
assisted, either the British or Indian 
enemies, and to prohibit such persons 
from settling ^ere, as have joined the 
enemy from any of our sister states. 

Your constituents hope that proper 
and adequate punishment may, by 
such law, be affixed to the crime of 
knowingly harbouring and concealing 
persons of the above description." 
"HENRY GEIGER, 
"Chairman of the Meeting." 

"'a the vear iV98, Mr. Arndt remov- 
ed from his mills to Easton, and from 
'I lopy cf a letter from his son John 
Arndt, Esq., dated Nov. 21st, 1803, to 
th'^ Rev. Gross, in reference to his 
father, I extract the following: 

"Respecting his health, it is tol- 
erable for a man of his age, but time 
has and continues to press bodily in- 
firmities heavily upon him. His eye- 
sight is almost gone; his feet begin 
■ x-t '.vc'.iK and cannot for a long time 
bear the weight of his body, but his 
appetite is good, and for to live happy 
,1: ( (>rr ton a "oly in old age, depends 
upon himself." 

He died in the year 1805. 

Yours respectfully, 

M. S. HENRY. 

Easton, May 8, 1851. 

Revolutionary Heroes of Northampton 
County. 
No. 2. 

John Arndt, Esq.. was born in Bucks 
county, in this state in 1748, and re- 
moved into Northampton countv in the 
year 1760 with his father, Jacob Arndt, 
who then had purchased a mill prop- 
erty about two miles from Easton, on 
the Bushkill creek, now in possession 
of Samuel Yohe, Esq. Mr. Arndt from 
having lived among us for upwards 
of half a century is yet recollectd by 
rnanv of our older citizens of North- 
ampton county. He of all others, dur- 
ing the time that "tried men's souls" 
acted then the most conspicuous part 



224 



in the county. He was the organ 
tiirough which all and every measure, 
taken by the principal political chiefs 
cf the state, which in a greater or 
Issser degree tended to achieve our 
glorious independence, passed. All for 
the furtherance of the cause of liber- 
ty that could be done by man was done 
by him. His indefatigable exertions, 
Lis solid judgment, his devoteness to 
the cause, v/ere known and appreciat- 
ed. All these virtues placed him in 
tne confidence of his fellow citizens, 
and through his stei'n integrity and 
truthCulne:;s letained it, as long as he 
lived. Fvery one will be ready with 
me to e.xc'azLi, that he was deserving 
of a nation's gratitude, and that his 
memory should be handed down to the 
latest posterity. My readers may 
think Lie too enthusiastic in his 
praise. No, nothing but heartfelt 
gratitude pervades my breast. Do not 
i,cIo net we all enjoy the glorious fruits 
of his exertions? Should not my own 
breast heave with admiration of a 
man whose character I have had an 
opportunity of studying, by examina- 
tions, of records, papers, letters, etc., 
furnishing and elucidating the clear- 
est proofs of all that has been but 
faintly described above. 

In the year 1776 he was appointed 
to the command of a company of de- 
fenders of our liberties called the 
"Flying Camp," and during that ser- 
vice was severely wounded, on Long 
Island, in the state of New York. A 
publication in 1799, says of this ser- 
vice thus: 

"It is well known that John Arndt 
turned out in 1776, a time which "tried 
men's souls," and assisted in toil and 
danger against the invading British 
foe, got wounded and crippled, and 
declined soliciting a pension to which 
he was by law entitled, accepted of an 
office in this county, in the conduct 
of which he is known to have been 
the true friend of the widow and or- 
phan." 

In the year 1777 he was appointed 
register, recorder and clerk of the or- 
phan's court for the county, which of- 
fice he held until 1800. During the 
Revolution he was one of the most ef- 
ficient members of the Committee of 
Safety (as it was called) for this 
county. The duty of this committee 
consisted in preventing and rendering 
abortive all the schemes and plans 
of the Tories, or the enemies to the 
cause of liberty. There are yet some 
papers of this committee in existence, 
one of which gives the names and res- 



idences of sixty Tories in our county. 
It was highly necessary in that preca- 
rious time to watch their proceedings, 
in order to frustrate their designs. 
The session's dockets of the county 
fully corroborate this necessity, the ut- 
most vigila&ce and perseverance was 
necessary and that laborious duty was 
performed by this committee. 

During 1783, Mr. Arndt was elected 
as representative in the Council of the 
Censors, to propose amendments to 
the Constitution of Pennsj'lvania. 
This body consisted of 22 members 
from the different districts of the 
state. Most of the amendments then 
proposed were subsequently adopted 
in 1789. 

On the 9th of September, 17S3, Dick- 
inson college, Carlisle, was incorpo- 
rated, of which Mr. Arndt was appoint- 
ed one of the trustees. 

He also had the honor to be elected 
one of the electors of president and 
vice president of the United States, 
under the new constitution of the 
United States then just framed, and 
cheerfully gave his vote to the illus- 
trious Washington. 

During the war, he advanced monies 
out of his private purse towards the 
recruiting service; thus practically il- 
lustrating his devotedness to the 
cause. The exigencies of the state 
were then so great, that actions test- 
ing the patriotism of the citizens fa- 
vorable to liberty, v/ere called for. 
Their lives and fortunes were to be 
risked, and John Arndt, when thus 
called upon, being "weighed" was found 
"not wanting." The following is an 
extract of a letter from Joseph Reed, 
president of the executive council of 
the council of the state, to Mr. Arndt; 
"la Council." 
Philadelphia, April 2. 1781. 

Sir:— "Your favor of the 25th ult. 
has been received, and we are much 
concerned that the Treasurer of the 
county is unable to answer the draft, 
and the more, fis it 's :iot in ray power 
to send you money. The stete treasu- 
rer has not ten pounds in the treas- 
ury. We hope you will have patience 
to bear with some difficulties, and we 
shall do everything in our power to re- 
lieve you." Yours, 

JOSEPH REED, President. 

Mr. Arndt, Samuel Sitgreaves and 
Peter Rhoads were the three represen- 
tatives of this district at the conven- 
tion for forming the constitution of 
Pennsylvania, which they signed Sep- 
tember 2, 1790. 



In the year 1796 Mr. Arndt was a 
candidate for Congress. He was de- 
feated by Jonas Hartzell by a small 
majority of 90 votes. During the in- 
purrection in 1799, by Fries, Hainey, 
etc., his utmost exertions were used 
for the preservation of law and order. 
Letters are before me on the subject 
from S. Sitgreaves, Absalom Reeder, 
W. Henry, etc., etc., directed to him. 

From 1786 to the adoption of the 
new state constitution, he. held an 
appointment as a justice of the com- 
mon plsas. His correspondence was 
crvtensive, his style oftentimes humor- 
011C5 gpri pleasing, which drew charac- 
ters of liKe stvle. Many interesting 
letters are yet amongst his papers. 
He held as a mineralogist and botanist 
no mean rank. His correspondence 
with Du Grop and other clergymen, 
show him to have been a pious man. 

In 179n he moved to Easton, and af- 
ter liOO, when he was removed from 
office by Thomas McKeen, who had 
been elected governor, he devoted his 
time to mercantile pursuits, until his 
decease in 1814. 

Yours, 

M. S. HENRY. 
May 21, 1851. 



The following letters which I re- 
recently discovered in a private collec- 
tion, testify to the esteem in which 
Captain John Arndt was held by dis- 
tinguished men of the times, and are 
otherwise of local interest. 

Dr. Benjamin Rush was the learned 
physician and surgeon, for some time 
surgeon-general of the army for the 
middle department during the Revolu- 
tion, a signer of the Declaration of 
Independence and at the date of his 
letter to Captain Arndt was treasurer 
of the United "States mint. 

Philip Shrawder was an officer of 
the Pennsylvania Line, entering the 
service as second lieutenant of "The 
German Regiment," August 12, 1776; 
he was successively promoted first 
lieutenant and captain lieutenant, and 
retired January 1, 1781. He also com- 
manded a force of Rangers after 1781, 
and during part of the Revolutionary 
struggle was stationed on the frontiers 
of Northampton county. He was also 
in Sullivan's expedition, and after the 
Revolution he settled in the present 
Monroe county, where he died. He 
was an original member of the Society 
of the Cincinnati of Pennsylvania. 

My Dear FViend: — I began my labors 
to serve you, with a zeal which the jus- 
tice connected with your claim, and my 



friendship for you dictated, but I am 
sorry to add, that the discourage- 
ment I met with from the first person 
1 spoke to, in your favor, prevented 
my proceeding any further. I need not 
mention what passed between us. He 
was not, however, in the least un- 
friendly to you. 

But I do not yet despair of your 
success, provided you address a fair, 
short, and pathetic statement of your 
case to Mr. Jos. McKean, praying him 
to lay it before his father. Do not 
forget to take notice of your wound, 
nor of your intention, if dismissed, to 
apply to the Legislature for relief. 
Your ten children, your inability to 
work, and your father's blindness, 
must not be omitted in your letter. 
Let the postage of it be paid. Mr. 
Jos. McKean has kind and just feel- 
ings. He will not neglect your appli- 
cation. Keep a copy of your letter. 
Fi'om Dr. Sir your sincere old friend, 

BEN J. RUSH. 
Philadelphia, December 7, 1799. 

(Endorsement) — John Arndt, Esq., 
Prothonotary of Northampton county, 
Easton, Pennsylvania. 



Lowersmithfield, Feb. 7, 1807. 
My Dear FViend: 

The barrel of sugar I have received 
in good order for which you'll please 
for the present to receive my thanks. 
As fcr the whiskey, it is true I be- 
lieve, no mention was made of what 
kind — but I should prefer Rye Wh, 
although I taste of neither kind; but 
the Whiskey drinkers in our Parts 
got into the Notion that Rye Wh. is 
more wholesome, altho either of them 
is dangerous, yet I should like to suit 
their Palates, therefore I wish you 
would save me some Rye Whiskey. 

As my Neighbor John Smith has not 
called on me with a Receipt if he has 
been to Easton, I must conclude he 
has not performed his Promise altho' 
this was the Condition on which I let 
him have the $30. mentioned in my 
former letb?r, and therefore you will 
enter him I suppose in your List of 
Democrats, altho I do not Know what 
he is and it is a doubt with me 
whether he Knows himself. 

I felt rejoyced to observe that you 
intend to pay us a visit. I pray Go.i 
may gr?.nt you Health and Strength 
to perform. Friend Depui caught cold 
last Saturday, on Monday his family 
sent for Doctor Kennedy who bled 
him since three times & blistered 
him to-day but I hear not that he is 
any better yet, the family sent for me 



226 



this Morning when he was very fligh- 
ty, and has been chiefly so since he 
was taken sick; I wished to see some 
Abiter.'.ent of the fever or some lucid 
intervals, but the Doctor tells me it 
■■■oulrl not be expected before to mor- 
row morning, when the effect of this 
d:iy's bleeding and blistering might be 
observed. I wish him to be for some- 
time himself to make his Will and ar- 
rcinje his family Affairs, which always 
gave him much concern, he often talk- 
ed with me respecting it but still ne- 
glected. I proposed to him some time 
ago for us both to write our Wills 
r".d rend them to you for Correction; 
about 10 days ago I gave mine to 
peruse and expected he would, after 
returning home, have done also, but 
v.-hen I asked him on Monday last to 
my surprise he informed me that he 
had neglected it. So you see my 
friend the danger of delaying such im- 
portant Business. The frame of my 
Will is enclosed in a letter to you, 
which I shall forward to you by the 
first safe Opportunity, neither do I 
know who may happen to be the Bear- 
er of this Scrawl. — With your last L. 
1 received also one from your Son 
George together with a present of his 
own ingenious Workmanship, it would 
Feem as if Nature designed him a 
Genius, Unexpectedly I have an ap- 
portunlty to Easton and therefore 
must conclude or you would not have 
come off so well. 

I remain with Love and Esteem 
My dear Sir 
Yours Most affectionatelv 

PHIIJP SHRAWDER. 

(Endorsement.) 
John Arndt, Esqr., Easton. 

Lowersmithfield, November 27, 1810. 

My Dear and Good Friend: — By your 
favor of the 16th inst., I was sorry 
to perceive thatMr.Raub is likely to be- 
come a victim to the passion of anger. 
Altho you intimate a perplexity about 
the opinion I sometime ago jocularly 
advanced that small acrimonious dis- 
courses about grave yards as well as 
bodily exercise may be both conducive 
to health, I still adhere to the same 
opinion, provided they are used with 
moderation. A few drops of lauda- 
num for instance, may give ease in 
toothache, but the use of a gill at once 
might be the means to bring him 
quicklv to the place, which your grave 
yard disputants would wish to keep off 
as long as possible, their Christian or 
anti-Christian zeal notwithstandin,g. 
People who like turkevcocks are prone 
to anger aught also to possess the pow- 



er of regulating that necessary and 
healthy passion. I was told a very 
good prescription to break the 
force of the passion was to count 
from one to an hundred, whenever the 
person feels this bitter fire to get too 
strong within him, before he comes to 
fifty the fire abates and before the 100 
is finished will be nearly extinguished. 
Bile is one of the most precious fluids 
in the human body and tho' it is some- 
times like fatal spring tides forces the 
blood through its slender vessels, in 
such great quantity that one or more 
of them burst and produce a palsy, yet 
to subdue it too much may be injuri- 
ous to health also. I think it is said of 
a certain Greek emperor, Theodosius, 
v/ho being so well attended, that he 
appeared void of passion and was 
therefore always ailing, and no medi- 
cine could have any effect on him; 
a lady of his court told the empress 
the real cause of the emperor's indis- 
position; if you wish your husband 
speedy recovery, make him daily once 
or twice a little angry which will raise 
his bile and make him well, in a short 
time his health was restored; but by 
practice the empress became so ha- 
bituated to scolding, that she could 
hardly quit it afterwards. If you have 
any married friends and acquaintan- 
ces, whose ailment you may suppose 
to be owing to the same cause, recom- 
mend it as a sure speedy and easy 
cure to their wives, but to beware not 
practice too long at one time; and af- 
ter the cure ii? performed, there will 
be no further need of it. May it not 
be truly said, man is incomprehensi- 
ble — all nations will subscribe to or 
approve the axiom: Do unto others as 
you wish them to do unto you; but in 
non-essentials^ great many will be 
ready and willing to suffer martyrdom 
iiiro and con; whether in washing 
hands, they must begin at the ends 
of the fingers and wash to the elbow 
or begin washing from the elbow down- 
v/ards to the finger's end. Fader un- 
ser, or unser Fader, which expression 
however in German is neutral; and 
pray inform me, whether the omission 
of the Lord's prayer during divine 
service is to do awi-^ th^ '^'istinction 
between Lutherans and Calvinist as 
most Germans knew no other differ- 
ence between those two professions; 
or whether ministers were only to say 
the Ijord's prayer until they could 
make a better one, like the first New 
England settlers in their first true 
Democratic Assembly past a resolve: 
That the Word of God should be the 



227 



law of the land until the Assembly 
could make a better. Many of your 
Lutheran men married Calvinist 
wives and vice-versa, get children and 
live happy together during life but 
dare not when dead be laid alongside 
of each other unless toll is paid for 
his passage to heaven by the Calvin- 
ist; I have not heard yet whether in 
imitation of the Russian custom a cer- 
tificate is inclosed in the coffin for his 
admission when arrived at the gates 
of heaven. 

It would appear Mr. Raub became 
a martyr to the right of raising toll 
from Calvinists. 

In the time of Caesar, the passage 
between Siciliy and Calabria used to 
be very dangerous owing to two whirl 
pools called Scylla and Charybdis and 
it was said if a vessel escaped one it 
would fall into the other. Thus we 
are guilty of follies, tho not of the 
same then surely of others as ridicu- 
lous, owing perhaps to different spec- 
tacles through which we view objects, 
some will lessen, some will multiply 
them, some will represent them under 
one color, others under another, some 
will swear they saw a green chamel- 
eon, others will assert the same cha- 
meleon to have been gray, etc. Man 
like the ocean seems always restless 
owing perhaps in both to the influ- 
ence of the moon our next luminary 
neighbor and happy it is for us, if the 
follies to which we incline are neither 
injurious to ourselves nor others, but 
rather are of an inoffensive kind such 
as your examining stones and my 
translating a chapter of Rousseau for 
your amusement and consideration. 
My making into English his essay on 
war may make you acquainted with 
his meaning; do as the Germans say, 
"Nicht das Kind mit dem Bad aus- 
schuetten," but draw a veil over it, if 
you should disapprove some of his ex- 
pressions in some of his last para- 
graphs as they militate against the 
opinions of some divines, considering 
he was frail like us and subject to 
errors in judgment and not a divine 
by education or his writings. In our 
physical world the links are so imper- 
ceptible that is almost if not quite im- 
possible for the human eye to discern 
where one genus ends and the other 
begins. In the immensity of the uni- 
verse, may we not suppose the exist- 
ence of all possible worlds and there 
is no real vacuum on. in and about our 
globe, may therefore those innumer- 
ble worlds not also be supposed to be 
filled, some with inferior, some with 



superior intelligences and some may 
be as he seems desirous that man 
should be in this world viz: Good by 
necessity, and as among all possible 
worlds ours of course had also to be 
created such as it is to show the Al- 
mighty, power, wisdom, goodness, etc. 
The design for men in this world ap- 
pears to be pursuit of happiness, single 
individuals could not attain happiness 
without the assistance of others, the 
Creator therefore imprinted in our na- 
ture an inclination to sociability, but 
by misconception of true ideas to pur- 
sue happiness many cause real unhap- 
piness to themselves as well as to 
others; the more a person is elevated 
over others who pursues wrong meas- 
ures to procure happiness the more 
individuals will be encompassed in 
a Circle of Unhappiness. Rousseau 
therefore seems to put no faith in the 
doctrine that all emperors, kings, etc., 
etc., etc., are vice-regents and repre- 
sentatives of God, when their actions 
might with more propriety declare 
tiiem to be vice-regents and represen- 
tatives of some malign spirits, if they 
must be representatives of some in- 
visible power. Kouli-Kan made a more 
upright declaration to a dervis of Hin- 
dostan. saying i am not a God and 
therefore do not act as God. I am no 
prophet charged to teach the way of 
salvation. I am he whom God sent 
to nations, whom he has resolved to 
visit in his anger. Instead of declar- 
ing himself heaven's vice-regent or 
representative this man acknowledged 
himself heaven's executioner. This 
perfectly agrees with the conduct of 
many rulers of Jews and Gentiles, 
Persians, Medes, Greeks, Romans, 
Christians and Mahometans. It is a 
mystery to me how such great robbers 
as Rosseau calls them could have the 
temerity to assume the title of God's 
vice-regent or representative, when 
they make such havoc among man- 
kind, God is love, goodness, etc. Can 
it herefore be supposed that such a 
benign being would appoint robbers 
for his representatives, who exert no 
qualities whatever for which we adore 
the supreme ruler. I am apt to con- 
clude as the pope for many ages as- 
sumed the name of Christ's vice-regent 
of the church on earth, he out of grat- 
itude for some great donation to him 
or to the church from some weak bi- 
gotted prince conferred that most in- 
applicable title upon him, which was 
afterwards retained by every succes- 
sor. I think it is but a few years ago 
when the last pope made a saint of 



228 



Bonaparte who in his turn annihilated 
Chrisyt's vice-regency by imprisoning 
said pope as I thinly; it was said. 

Here my dear friend you have as 
long a letter or scrawl as our barren 
country will afford, perhaps it may 
dispel for a little while your grave 
yard thoughts. Rousseau's chapter on 
war, accompanying this I hope may en- 
tertain you for an hour. i>,ich Depue 
just now informed me that he will be 
going to Easton to-morrow and offers 
to be the bearer of the whole, by whom 
I expect that you will be pleased to 
form me how you like Genevise Poli- 
ticks, some of his thoughts on v/ar, I 
presume you will approve altho I men- 
tioned to you in a former letter of 
mine that he had been no warrior in 
the field but a greater one in his study. 
Yours affectionatelv, 

PHILIP SHRAWDER. 
john Arndt, Esq. 

In the early autum_n in a stroll 
along the picturesque and historic 
Bushkill, I found my way to the church 
yard of the Arndt-Messinger church 
and there found the gi-aves of these 
heroes of the Revolution, over which 
are inscribed in marble the following: 

"Here are deposited the remains of 
COLONEL JACOB ARNDT, 
who in his life time faithfully served 
his God, his King, and in and after the 
Revolution the republic. Ho was 

born in Germany, the 12th of March, 
1725, and departed this life the 3rd 
of August, 1805, aged eighty years, 
four months and ten days. " 



".JOHN ARNDT, 

to whose memory this stone is erect- 
ed, was born on the .3rd of June, 1748, 
and died on the 6th of May, 1814, at 
the age of sixty - five years, eleven 
months and one day. Closed an ac- 
tive life of public usefulness and pri- 
vate worth." 



Leni Lenape. 

^.Ir. Editor: 

Having noticed that a number of 
the young men of Easton have form- 
ed a society or company under the 
above name, the name by which the 
aborigines or inhabitants of the "Forks 
of the Delaware" were known, I have 
been induced to collect a few reminis- 
cences, which may be interesting to 
your readers. 

The early history of Northampton 
county is so deeply interwo\'en wita 
that tribe of Indians, that some re- 
marks in reference to the tribes whicti 
governed or inhabited this interesting 



region, may not b'e void of interest, 
more particularly so to the young gen- 
tlemen who have associated them- 
selves under that title. The name ol 
Leni Lenape, should never be forgot- 
ten. An "original people" a name 
conveying (in the recollections of 
such as have exa-mined the .history 
of Indian nations,) the beau ideal of 
"Liberty." Listen to the proud decla- 
ration of independence of one of their 
orators named "Grangula" in 1684, 
I only two years subsequent to Penn's 
arrival in America) ; how boldly be 
declares, their independence in pres- 
ence of a large assembly of Eng- 
lish at Albany, when be says; 
"We are born free! We do not de- 
pend upon Vonondia or Corlaer, (the 
English or French.) We may go 
where we please, and carry with us 
whom we please, and buy and sell 
what we please! If your allies be 
slaves, use them as such; command 
them to receive no other but your 
people, etc." 

This is one of the many declara- 
tions of like import found in history 
and on record, and proves conclusive- 
ly that the tree of liberty is indigen- 
ous in America. These very first in- 
habitants were freemen, and the pa- 
triots of 1776, did in fact only rally 
around this tree of liberty, (planted 
by the Leni Lenape and other nations 
of Indians,) and prevented its being 
stamped, or having the tea plant en- 
grafted upon it. 

As to the origin of the Indians, there 
is no certainty. The investigations 
even of the most learned, have pro- 
duced nothing but conjectures, more 
or less probable; nor will I detain you 
with a repetition, much less enter into 
a review of them. By those most deep- 
ly versed in the subject, it is supposed 
tiiat there were three distinct Nations 
in North America, radically differing 
in their languages. Of this opinion 
was the Rev. Mr. Heckewelder, cer- 
tainly authority in a high degree en- 
titled to consideration, viz: the Leni 
Lenape, the Iroqtiois and the Algon- 
quins. The two former of which in- 
habited the count'-T east of the Mis- 
sissippi; but these were divided and 
sLtb-divided into innumerable tribes, 
with most unutterable names. I will, 
however, in this communication con- 
fine myself exclusively to the Leni 
Lenape. 

The name Delaware was undoubted- 
I" first given to them by the Europeans 
for they called themselves Leni Le- 
nape, that is. "Indian men," or original 
people or Wapanachi, that is a people 



229 



living towards the rising of the sun. 
This name is also given to them by 
the other Indian nations. 

The conscientious Penn, regarded 
the Indians f.s the rightful possessors 
of the soil, and invited them to a con- 
ference at Shackamaxon, near Kens- 
ington, (Philadelphia). Here a formal 
treaty v>'as made, and a part of their 
lands purchased. This treaty, though 
simple, but sincere, remained invio- 
late, and never was broken. Penn's 
sons subsequently defrauded the In- 
dians in purchases of some lands. 
They long endeavored by peaceable 
measures to have justice done them, 
but all their entreaties were scorned 
by the proprietaries. As freemen, how 
did they feel! Let them speak for 
themselves, which they did thus; "Let 
them go on in this way, until they have 
extirpated us entirely, and have the 
whole of our land! Did not God create 
us as well as the white people! Did he 
not place us on this land, and give us 
strength and ability to defend our- 
selves against any invader! Does he 
not expect of us, that we shall exert 
ourselves in preserving that which he 
gave our forefathers, both for them- 
selves and their offspring, forever! 
What nation of Indians will submit to 
be driven from their land by another 
nation! No nation has suffered what 
we have, by the white p-eople! We, the 
Leni Lenape, together with our num- 
erous train of connexion, who at the 
time when the first white people came 
over the great salt water lake, to us, 
owned and were in possession of all 
the country lying on its sea shore, far 
to the South and far to the West. 

"Our forefathers received the white 
people with kindness, they gave them 
land to live and plant on, we after- 
wards shewed them the same kindness 
— but they were not satisfied with this. 
When we part with a large tract of 
our country to them, they do not begin 
at one end, and continue settling one 
adjoining the other, until the whole 
is settled and occupied! No, they scat- 
ter like the deer over the whole tract, 
one here and another there, leaving 
vast bodies of land lying waste, and 
then say to us, that they must have 
more land, and if we are not quiet in 
giving it to them, they take, saying 
we will have it." 

Such was their reasoning, and will 
any one dare to deny its truthfulness. 
The forbearance of the Indians under 
these encroachments, proves that they 
were adverse to a war. The kindness 
they were treated with by "One", (Wil- 



liam Penn,) they could not forget, and 
it was not until after the most flagrant 
impositions, that about the year 1764, 
they unburied the hatchet. 

The cruelty of the Indians is a sub- 
ject often treated on and adverted to, 
hy many authors who select instances 
or concurrences in the welfare of the 
Indians, for the purpose of frightening 
children. That such cases have oc- 
curred must be admitted, yet the col- 
ouring generally given to it in order 
to enhance the value of such works, is 
unnatural. On the other hand, more 
instances of kindness, affection, and 
good will can be given, which more 
than overbalance all the concomitives 
of war! They are hospitable, and high- 
ly sensitive of kindness. 

In eloquence they are unrivalled. 
The following is a tradition concern- 
ing their origin, and is thus given by 
one of their chiefs, "Connassetego," 
of the manner in which his country 
was made and peopled: 

"When our good Manitta (Great 
Spirit) raised Akanishiogeny, (the 
country of the Indians) out of the 
great waters, he said to his brethren 
how fine a country is this! I will make 
Red-men (Indians) the best of men, to 
enjoy it. Then with five handfuls of 
red seeds, like the eggs of flies, did 
he strew the fertile flelds of Ononda- 
go. Little worms came out of the 
seeds and penetrated the earth, when 
the spirits, who had never yet seen the 
light, entered into and united with 
them. Manitta vv-atered the earth with 
his rain, the sun warmed it; the 
worms, with the Spirits in them, grew, 
putting forth little arms and legs, and 
moved the light earth that covered 
them. After nine months, they come 
forth perfect boys and girls; Manitta 
covered them with his mantle of warm, 
purple cloud, and nourished them with 
milk from his finger ends. Nine sum- 
mers did he nurse them, and nine 
summers more did he instruct them 
hov/ to live. In the mean time he had 
made for their use, trees, plants and 
animals of various kinds. Akamishio- 
geny was covered with woods and fill- 
ed with creatures. Then he assembled 
his children together and said, ye are 
"Five Nations," for ye sprang each 
from a different handful of the seed I 
sowed; but ye are all brethren, and I 
am your father, for I made you all, I 
have raised you and brought you up. 
Mohocks, I have made you bold and 
valiant, and see, I give you corn for 
vour food. Oneidas, I have made you 
patient of pain and of hunger, the nuts 



230 



and the fruits of the trees are yours. 
Senekas, I have made you industrious 
and active, beans do I give you for 
nourishment. Cayugas, I have made 
:■ ou strong, friendly and generous, 
ground nuts and every root shall re- 
fresh you. Onondagos, I have made 
1 ou wise, just and eloquent; squashes 
and grapes have I given you to eat, 
and tobacco to smoke in council. The 
beasts, birds and fishes I have given 
you all, in common. As I have loved 
and taken care of you all, so do you 
love and take care of one another. 
Communicate freely to each other the 
rood things I have given you, and 
learn to imitate each other's virtues. 
I have made you the best people in 
the world, and I give you the best 
country. You will defend it from the 
invasion of other nations, from the 
children of other Manittas, and keep 
possession of i^ for yourselves, while 
the sun and the moon give light, and 
the waters run in the rivers. This you 
shall do, if you observe my words. 
Spirits, I am now about to leave you. 
The bodies I have given you will in 
time grow old and wear out, so that 
you will be weary of them; or from 
various accidents they may become un- 
fit for your habitation, and you will 
leave them. I cannot remain here al- 
ways to give you new ones. I have 
great affairs to mind in distant plac- 
es, and I cannot again attend so long 
to the nursing of children. I have 
enabled you therefore among your- 
selves to produce new bodies, to supply 
the place of old ones, that every one 
of you, when he parts with his old hab- 
itation, may in time find a new one, 
and never wander longer than he chose 
under the earth, deprived of the light 
of the sun. Nourish and instruct your 
children as I have nourished and in- 
structed you. Be just to all men, and 
kind to strangers that come among 
you. So shall you be happy and be 
loved by all, and I myself will some- 
times visit and assist you. 

"Saying this he wrapped himself up 
in a bright cloud and went like a swift 
arrow to the sun, where his brethren 
rejoiced at his return." 

It vv'as about the year 1790, when 
the Leni Lenape left this country— 
When they bid farewell to the country 
of their birth. They set out on their 
pilgrimage towards the setting of the 
sun. Yet we observe one to linger 
behind — one who in the councils of the 
nation stood prominent — a chief emin- 
ent for his prowess, and respected 
for his virtues. His affections clung 



so strongly to the land of his nativity, 
that he found it impossible to follow. 
The proprietaries, operated upon, in 
all probability, by a sense of the 
wrongs they had done to his nation, 
gave him a tract of lana, which in- 
cluded within its limits the farm at 
present owned and occupied by Mr. 
Werkhauser, (late Stecher's) about 
one mile east of Stockertown. 
now Tatamy borough,) and 

there he erected his wig- 
wam. Many summers passed away, 
and he might be seen stealing along 
the banks of the Lehicton, or Bushkill; 
or seated at the door of his wigwam, 
humming the wild war song of his 
ancestors. Ke had scarcely any inter- 
course with the whites, and devoted 
his time principally to hunting and 
fishing. The idea that when the 
Great Spirit took him henee, his bones 
would rest where his infancy was rear- 
ed, afforded him much pleasure, but 
even this consolation was denied' him. 
Hostilities soon commenced again be- 
tween the whites and the Indians, 
when it was deemed prudent 
fc-r him to leave, and the 
Penns provided for his safe- 
ty by giving him a tract of land near 
Frenchtown, in New Jersey, whither 
he removed, and there his earthly ca- 
reer was closed. He was there shot 
by an Irishman who met him whilst 
hunting in the woods. Thus perished 
the last of the Leni Lenape — thus 
closed the life of the brave Chief Ta- 
temi. 

His squaw, or widow, after his death 
returned to Easton, and died on the 
5th of October, 1801. One yet living 
amongst us, the Rev. Thomas Pomp, 
officiated as the clergyman at her fu- 
neral, and others in our town were 
present at her burial. 
Yours, Etc., 

M. S. HENRY. 

Easton Whig, July 2, 1851. 



Tomato Ketchup. 

The subscriber is now manufactur- 
ing and has for sale a superior arti- 
cle of Tomato Ketchup which he will 
sell wholesale or retail. It can also 
be had at all the principal groceries 
in town. 

H. W. CROSBY. 
At Lafayette College. 

Easton, September 17, 1851. 

Many will learn for the first time 
that canned tomatoes were first thus 
prepared, on the campus and farm 
of Lafayette college by Mr. Crosby in 
1847. Specimens were sent by him 



231 



in hermetically sealed cans to the 
president of the United States and to 
Queen Victoria, both of whom ack- 
nowledged the receipt of the gift. 



Died. 

In this place on Sunday afternoon 
last, (September 28, 1851,) Mr. Jacob 
Diehl. Had his life been continued a 
few days longer he would have com- 
pleted his eighty-second year. He serv- 
ed as crier of the courts of this coun- 
ty for many years and was extensive- 
ly known in this and adjoining coun- 
ties. The deceased was the only sur- 
vivor of the company which marched 
rrom this place for Carlisle Barracks 
at the time of the Whiskey Insurrec- 
tion. 



Lieut. Col. Horn. 

(Endorsement) 
Lieut. Col. Horn, of the Riflemen at 

Mrs. Rifford's, in Race Street, near 

Fourth, Philadelphia. 



1852. 
Died. 



"In this place, on Monday last, the 
1st instant, (March, 1852,) Major 
Charles Horn, son of the late General 
Abraham Horn, aged sixty-seven 
years, three months, and thirteen 
days." 

I have heretofore referred at length 
to the patriotism of the Horn family 
of Northampton county. The follow- 
ing letter from Brigadier General 
■I'nomas Cadwalader, commanding Ad- 
vance Light Brigade, to which Captain 
Abraham Horn, Jr.'s company of Eas- 
ton Riflemen, was attached in the war 
of 1812, will show the esteem and con- 
fidence in which Captain Horn was 
held by his commanding officer. The 
letter recently came to my notice in 
a private collection. 
"Headquarters, 4th M. District, Phila- 
delphia, 13. Dec, 1814. 
"Dear Sir: I am just favored with 
your Letter of Yesterday — and as the 
Rifle Regiment is now discharged you 
will accept my acknowledgments for 
the attention you have uniformly paid 
to every branch of your duty. It will 
afford me peculiar satisfaction should 
chance again bring us into the field 
together — and if arrangements are 
proposed for raising State Troops, no 
exertions of mine shall be wanting to 
forward your wishes in regard to a 
Rifle Regiment as I am well persuad- 
ed your Influence in raising Troops of 
that description would be very import- 
ant and that under your Command 
such troops might be rendered very 
eflScient. 

With the best wishes for your wel- 
fare and happiness, I remain, 
Your Friend and Ob. Servt., 

THOS. CADWALADER. 



The following lines concerning an- 
other of the family who died from 
disease contracted during the Mexican 
war is inserted here: 

Maj. Samuel Horn. 

We extract the following from a 
letter written to a friend in Easton: 

"I can't allow our old acquaintance, 
Samuel Horn to go down to the grave 
without hasty, passing notice. I there- 
fore present you the following "Im- 
promptu" for what it is worth." 

The Drummer's "Last Roll." 
The drum that fir'd the soldier's heart. 

In many a sanguine fight, 
Unbrac'd and mournful 'gainst the wall 

Hangs from the mourner's sight. 

The hands which wrought the magic 
speil 

That nerv'd the warrior's soul. 
Are stiff and cold in Death's embrace, 

The've beaten the "last call." 

Fierce was the strife at Lnndy's Lane 
Where foe on foe-man sped 

Destruction 'round, and strew'd the 
field 
With the dying and the dead. 

'Midst clashing arms and cannon's 
roar. 

Hurling destruction 'round 
Was seen the major's erect form, 

Was heard his drum's full sound. 

Ceas'd was the strife — Peace smil'd 
again; 

The drum was now at rest. 
And the worn wand'rer, 'midst his 
friends 

From War's alarms sought rest. 

But hark I The trumpet sounds "to 

war" 

Forth march the nobly brave. 
To gain a victor's verdant wreath 

Or share an honor'd grave. 

Among the ardent warrior band 
Encamp'd on hostile shore 

Is seen the vet'ran Horn, whose drum 
Sends for its "roll" once more. 

Onward they march to victory, 

They think not of retreat 
Again the drum calls them "to arms," 

Anon the foe is beat. 



232 



"Onward's the cry — the Astic's halls, 
(After many a hard fought field) 

Are enter'd, and the strife is hush'd; 
The mexic's doom is sealed. 

Homeward return'd diseas'd and wan — 
The vet'ran Drummer found; 

Bedim'd his eye — his wasted form 
But totters o'er the ground. 

Death sped his arrow, and the deed 

Releas'd his wearied soul 
For heav'n — adieu 1 thy drum is hush'd 

Thou'st beaten "The last Roll." 

November 1, 1848. 

The Steam Boat. 

We are now enabled to announce to 
our readers, that the waves and the 
rocks of the Delaware, have at last 
been passed over by the beautiful 
steamboat, Maj. William Barnet. 

On Saturday last, at 6 o'clock in 
the afternoon, she proudly arrived at 
our shores, with her decks covered 
with cheerful and happy passengers, 
and America's ever proud and success- 
ful flag floating high in the pure breeze 
that conies from our distant moun- 
tains. When the signal was given of 
her arrival, the citizens en masse 
rushed to see and welcome her; and 
the cannon from Mount Jefferson, 
thundered forth its tones of welcome 
to the proud symbol of the arts, sci- 
ence, peace, and civilization, which 
was then majestically ploughing the 
waters of the Delaware at this place. 
When moored to the Delaware's icy 
banks, her officers and passengers 
were handsomely received by the town 
council, in a happy and eloquent 
speech by the Hon. James M. Porter, 
president of the board. A large pro- 
cession was then formed of the thous- 
ands gathered at the bridge, by the 
cannon's roar and the shriek of the 
steam whistle, headed by the Easton 
brass band, the town council and the 
officers and passengers of the boat, 
who marched through town to the 
American hotel, where a splendid 
dinner had oeen provided by Mr. Con- 
nor. 

The "Maj. William Barnet" remain- 
ed at her icy wharf until Monday, 
when she made two pleasant excur- 
sions for five or six miles up the Dela- 
ware. She was loaded each time with 
three or four hundred passengers. On 
Tuesday she made two or three more 
excursions up the Delaware, for the 
day we learn, she will return to Lam- 
bertville. 

At the steam boat's landing and re- 



ception, v/e were struck with the hap- 
py coincidence to see a small tribe of 
Indians led by their chief darting 
through the crowd with his and feath- 
ers, high above the white man's. But 
a few years ago the site on which our 
borough now stands — with its ten 
churches — was the hunting ground 
of the happy, but wild savage Indians. 
It was then their privilege and pleas- 
ure alone to cross and navigate the 
Delaware in their canoes, but now the 
Indian looks with wonder and delight 
upon the steam-horse at the "Forks of 
the Delaware," and doubts no longer 
that the white man, in power and 
greatness, is next to the "Great Spir- 
it." 

March 17, 1852. 



Classical School. 
The subscribers, graduates of Prince- 
ton college, will open a select English 
and classical school on the first Mon- 
day of April, 1852, in the Model school 
building, adjoining Lafayette college, 
Easton, Pa. From some years exper- 
ience in teaching they flatter them- 
selves that they can open a school, 
worthy the patronage of all. Those de- 
siring their sons either for business 
or college will find advantage here, 
not surpassed by those of any similar 
institution, as every means will be 
used by the principals, for the intel- 
lectual and moral improvements of 
their pupils. The sons and wards of 
those who may send here from a dis- 
tance will board with the principals. 
Terms of tuition five and seven dol- 
lars per quarter. For reference and 
other particulars inquire of the prin- 
cipals, of the Rev. D. V. McLean, D. D., 
president of Lafayette college. 

W. H. WOODS, 

A. M. WOODS, 

Principals. 
Easton, Maicli 17, 1852. 

Died. 

On the 13th of June in Emaus, Le- 
high county, Mr. Jacob Wilt, aged 92 
years. The deceased was a Revolu- 
tionary soldier, and served under Gen- 
erals Washington and Lafayette. 

July 7, 1852. 

The celebration of the Fourth of July 
1852, was in strong contrast to the ob- 
servance of this national anniversary, 
as reported for 1903. There was gen- 
uine patriotism in those days. 
The National Jubilee in Easton. 

The glorious anniversary of our na- 
tional independence was observed in 
a becoming and appropriate manner, 



233 



aye, most patriotically respected, if 
firing of suibs, fire-crackers, rockets 
and pyrotechnic displays generally, are 
nny evi:Ience of respect for the great 
rr.til (l?.-y of An^erican Independence. 
Saturday and Monday, the third and 
fifth of July, were gala days, and 
Sunday, the glorious fourth itself, was 
celebrated by our many eminent Di- 
vines by sermons appropriate to the 
occasion. In accordance with long-es- 
tablished custom, our citizens were 
aroused from their quiet slumbers on 
the morning of the 3rd and 5th by 
.liCo2 =:oul-t:iriiling national airs, "Hail 
Columbia, Yankee Doodle, etc." dis- 
coursed in their usually superb style 
by the Easton Brass band — ^ by the 
cannon's thunder — the spirit-stirring 
notes of the fife and drum, and the 
nmsic of the churchbells! The spirit 
of the day seemed to hover over our 
beautiful borough, infusing universal 
joy and gladness into every heart. 

An appropriate Centenary address, 
in commemoration of the Hundredth 
birthday of old Northampton county, 
was delivei-ed in the German Reform- 
ed church, by the Hon. James M. Por- 
ter; and oration appropriate to the 
glorious fourth by H. D. Maxwell, Esq. 
J i.e aJJresses were both excellent — 
that of Mr. Maxwell, in particular, 
was beautiful and poetic in the high- 
est degree, and the only regret we 
experienced on the occasion, was, that 
so few of the good citizens of Easton 
honored the day and the distinguish- 
ed orators by their presence. Those 
who staid away missed a rare intellec- 
tual treat. On the afternoon of the 
3rd, the streets of our borough were 
pretty v^fell thronged by our country 
friends anxious to see "the elephant." 
in the evening, with torches in their 
hands, paraded our streets and created 
quite a sensation beside making a. fine 
display. 

The morning of the 5th was an- 
nounced by the same extravaganT 
symptoms of joy that heralded the 
3rd. An an early hour of the day, a 
large delegation of the patriotic citi- 
zens from Allentown, arrived in town, 
preceded by the Allentown band, which 
performed most admirably through the 
various streets of Easton. Thousands 
of our country friends thronged the 
streets of our borough at an early 
hour of the day — in fact we have sel- 
dom seen such imiversal joy and re- 
joicing characterize the day. In the 
afternoon, the fire companies with 
their beautiful apparatus, accompa- 
nied by the unrivalled Easton Brass 



Band, and at a later hour by the Al- 
lentown Band, who performed admir- 
ably, paraded the streets and togeth- 
er with the National Guards, made a 
fine display. The "Indians" were in 
attendance, and seemed to create quite 
a sensation among the lovers of the 
romantic and novel. Every thing 
passed off in fine style. 

To-,vards the close of the day, an im- 
mense concourse having assembled in 
front of the Washington house, were 
addressed by several distinguished 
i;peakers, in a style appropriate to the 
glorious occasion that assembled them 
together. In the evening a fine py- 
rotechnic display was made in the 
public square. Fire works of every 
description were let off in fine style. 
Several appropriate, patriotic address- 
es were delivered to the multitude who 
bad assembled to witness the grand 
display. The German Brass Band en- 
livened the assembly by their pres- 
ence and contributed greatly to the 
festivities of the evening. 

We are gratified to announce that no 
accident of any kind occurred to mar 
the universal joy. And we rejoice 
still more that while fanatics rave 
about the horrors of slavery, and 
southern fire eaters threaten dissolu- 
tion, that the great mass of the Amer- 
ican people are true to the memories 
of their Revolutionary sires — true 
to our glorious, blood bought Confed- 
eracy — true to the cause of liberty 
and the interests of universal human- 
ity — at such annual occasion of 
celebrating the neve(r-to-be-forgotten 
day that gave the United States a no- 
ble and independent position in the 
great family of nations. May it ever 
be so until the last syllable of record- 
ed time! May the fiight of centuries 
find this day observed throughout the 
length and breadth of our land by a 
happy, prosperous and united people. 
Lafayette Classical School. 
An exhibition of this school will take 
place Tuesday evening, September 1, 
at the Odd Fellows' Hall. The friends 
of education are invited to attend 
This institution is of recent origin, 
but under its efficient principals, has 
already acquired a favorable position 
among the male schools of our Bor- 
ough. We are pleased to find that the 
labors and well directed efforts of the 
Messrs. Woods, are appreciated. The 
exercises on Tuesday evening will be 
interesting, and teachers as well as 
pupils should be encouraged by the 
attendance of those interested in the 
school. 



234 



August 25. 1852. 

Philadelphia, Easton and Water Gap 
Railroad Comapny. 

There was a great mass meeting 
held at the Sansom Street hall, Phila- 
delphia, on Saturday evening, the 9th 
of October instant, 1852, composed of 
the bone and sinew of the Philadelphia 
business men — for the purpose of 
adopting measures to insure the com- 
pletion of the railroad from Philadelp- 
phia to Easton and the Water Gap. 

John M. Read, Esq., of Philadelphia, 
and James M. Porter, Esq., of this 
place, by invitation, attended and 
made addresses. We have procured 
a summary of the address of the lat- 
ter gentleman, which contains much 
interesting geographical and statisti- 
cal information. 

Mr. Porter said: — That he was pleas- 
ed to see the interest 
which Philadelphia felt in 
this matter, of which the large 
meeting assembled furnished such con- 
clusive evidence. Some four or five 
years since, he had com.e to Philadel- 
phia, on a similar errand, to call public 
attention to the importance of a rail- 
road communication between Philadel- 
phia and Easton, and notwithstanding 
great exertions were made by publica- 
tions in the leading newspapers, and 
by hand bills, freely circulated, the 
whole amount of persons they were 
able to collect together, at the Ex- 
change, was only fifty-one, and no citi- 
zen of Philadelphia could be persuad- 
ed to subscribe for a single share of 
the stock. Perhaps it might have been 
that the public had held out to them 
the attraction that he was to make a 
speech to them and that might have 
affected the number of the meeting. 

The valley in which Easton is situ- 
ated in the great Kittatinny Valley, 
Which extends from near Lake Champ- 
lain through Bennington. Vermont, 
Berkshire, Massachusetts, Orange coun- 
ty, N. Y., Sussex and Warren, N. J. 
Northampton, Lehigh, Berks, Lebanon, 
Dauphin, Cumberland and Franklin 
counties, Pennsylvania, Washington 
county. Maryland, by Winchester and 
Staunton, Virginia on to Tennessee. It 
is the largest valley in the world; 
bounded on the north by the Kitatin- 
ny or Blue mountains, on the south 
by the South mountain (the Blue 
Ridge of Virginia, the Highlands of 
New York and the Green mountains of 
Vermont) it maintained essentially its 
geographical characteristics from one 
end to the other. Its southern half is 
a rich limestone soil. Its northern 



rests on argillaceous slate; the whole 
being one of the finest agricultural 
regions in the world. Along 
the northern base of the South moun- 
tain, (the southern side of the val- 
ley) its whole extent contained depos- 
its of the finest hematite from ore-a 
srmilar deposit was also found, gen- 
erally near the junction of the lime 
and slate and at the point of junc- 
tion there was found in almost the en- 
tire length of the valley as fine hy- 
draulic cement as ever was used. 

The South mountain contained au 
almost continuous belt of primitive 
magnetic iron ore, of an unusually 
rich character. 

Beyond this valley, north of the 
Blue or Kittatinny mountain commenc- 
ing on the Lehigh and extending near- 
ly to the Susquehanna, was the great 
body of anthracite coal, which, with 
the iron of our state was more valua- 
ble and of more real importance to 
the growth, morals and prosperity of 
Pennsylvania, than the gold mines in 
other states of the Union, were to 
them. The proximity of the anthrac- 
ite coal to the iron ore, enabled the 
people to bring them together, and as 
he had been informed, one sixth of 
the entire product of anthracite iron 
in the Union was now manufactured 
within twenty miles of Easton. 

Cooper's furnace in New Jersey, op- 
posite Easton, had two stacks. Thom- 
as and Mills, in South Easton, had 
one stack. Jackson's furnaces, at 
Glendcn, had two stacks. The Allen- 
tov/n iron works two stacks. The 
Crane Iron Works at Catasauqua, five 
stacks, and the Durham Furnace one 
stack, which yielded on the aggregate 
from 1,0U0 to 1,500 tons pig metal per 
week. 

The Kittatinny valley as had been 
remarked, was one of the finest grain 
growing countries in the world. Before 
we had any canals or railroads, our 
means of sending produce to markets 
were the Durham boats, descending 
the Delaware river. (These boats took 
tiieir name from the Durham furnace, 
for carrying the iron from which they 
were first constructed.) By these, in 
that, now the olden time we were wont 
to send at least 100,000 barrels of flour 
to the Philadelphia market per an- 
num, besides (he hoped our temper- 
ance friends would not take umbrage 
at it,) no inconsiderable quantity of 
whiskey for the distillation of which 
immense quantities of rye and corn 
were used. Our agricultural products 
had been greatly increased by improv- 



235 



ed farming, yet it was very probable 
that we did not send more flour to the 
Philadelphia market now, than former- 
ly, for the operatives at the coal 
aixues up tae Lehigh and the furnaces 
which lined Ihe stream, now furnished 
a market tor large quantities of our 
products, and Philadelphia instead of 
getting that portion of our products 
in flour and whiskey as former- 
ly, now gets it in the shape of 
coal and iron at an increased value. 

We can hardly credit the increase 
cf our coal trade. About the year 
1^22, the whole amount of anthracite 
coal sent to the Atlantic, except what 
might have gone down the Susquehan- 
nah in arks from Wilkesbarre, was 
about 6,000 tons. That all went from 
the Lehigh — and it is said, that about 
this season of the year or perhaps ear- 
lier, when that amount had arrived in 
Philadelphia, that Jonathan Fell, then 
president of the Lehigh Coal and Navi- 
gation company, wrote to Messrs. 
White and Hazard, the acting mana- 
gers at Mauch Chunk, that they should 
desist for sending any more, as the 
market was glutted, and they would 
not be able to sell what they had on 
hand. 

This year the Coal Lehigh region 
alone had sent about 870,000 tons, and 
l^efore the close of the season it would 
probably be augmented to 1,250,000 
tons, while the Schuylkill, Susquehan- 
nah, and Lackawanna, would add at 
least two millions of tons to the 
amount. 

The amount sent from the Lehigh 
this year, was about as much as the 
Lehigh and Delaware Division canals 
could carry, and it would be essentially 
necessary to increase the means of 
transportation of coal from the Lehigh 
region, in order to supply this growing 
and increasing demand. Taking what 
thirty years had done in increasing 
this trade, and looking to its probable 
increase in the next thirty years, this 
necessity must be obvious to all. 

The trade and business of Easton 
and its v^ inity, had been for years 
intimately connected with Philadel- 
phia. Its value in the products sent 
to market, might be in some measure 
appreciated by what has been stated. 
The amount of goods sold by Phila- 
delphia merchants to that region, was 
probably worth $3,000,000 per year. 
This trade the Philadelphia merchants 
had heretofore had. This they could 
to a very great extent retain, if they 
made this road, and this trade they 
would mainly and inevitably lose, if 



they did not construct a rail-road com- 
munication between those points. For 
New York had constructed the New- 
Jersey Central railroad, which placed 
us within seventy-miles, or three hours 
ride by railroad of that city. 

The population of Easton in the last 
thirty-five years had grown from 2,000 
to 10,000 inhabitants, and other towns 
and villages had sprung up, ?,ud the 
entire population of the region had 
increased in a corresponding ratio. It 
was no much-room growth. It was 
a healthy and gradual increase. Beth- 
lehem and Allentown too, had also 
grown and increased, nearly if not 
quite at a corresponding rate; and 
since the construction of the Lehigh 
canal, South Easton, Freemansburg 
and Catasauqua, had sprung up to be 
towns of considerable importance, 
along its shores, in the KittatinnyVal- 
ley. 

Independent of the coal and iron 
trade and the other products of this 
valley, the proposed railroad would be 
the southeastern end of a great chain 
of railroads, connecting Philadelphia 
with the northeastern counties of 
Pennsylvania with Southern and West- 
ern New York, and Lake Erie and 
Lake Ontario. 

The proposed road would be less 
than sixty miles to Freemansburg, 
thence to Mauch Chunk 37 and would 
enable them to send coal from Mauch 
Chunk in 96 or 97 miles at all seasons 
of the year. From Freemansburg to 
Easton was ten miles, thence to the 
DelaAvare Water Gap 24 miles and 
thence to Scranton by the surveyed 
route of the proposed railroad, now 
in use, 47 miles to the Breat Bend; 
making the entire distance from Phil- 
adelphia to Great Bend, on the New 
York and Erie railroad 197 miles. 
Whilst from New York to the same 
point, by Piermont, the distance on the 
New York and Erie railroad is 210 
miles. The distance is shortened 
nine miles, it is true, by taking the 
Ramapo road at Sufftins, but that 
road is a different gauge from the 
New York and Erie railroad, and is 
principally used for passengers only; 
tne freight still passing by Piermont. 
But Philadelphia would have the ad- 
vantage of New York, even by the 
shortened route of four miles. 

It is thus seen that by this connec- 
tion Philadelphia could compete suc- 
cessfully with New York for the trade 
of the whole length of the Erie road 
from Great Bend to Dunkirk on Lake 
Erie, a distance of 259 miles and for 



236 



them trade of the lake itself and all 
the great West connected with it. 

A railroad is now constructed from 
Oswego on Lake Ontario to Syracuse 
a distance of 35 miles. That road is 
about being extended from Syracuse 
to Binghamton on the New York and 
Erie railroad, a short distance west of 
Great Bend. Mr. P. said he could not 
speak of the distance in exact miles 
from memory, but the fact was stated 
to him by gentlemen from Syracuse, 
who were pushing the road from that 
place to Binghamton, with a view in 
.port of reaching the Wyoming coal 
fields at Scranton, that the distance by 
railroad from Oswego to Philadelphia 
by their route would not be more than 
10 or 12 miles further than to New 
\ork, by the nearest and most direct 
route, through Albany 

Again the railroad from the Dela- 
ware at Easton up the Lehigh was in 
progress of construction and the fact 
might be depended on that it would 
be finished to Mauch Chunk in eigh- 
teen months time. The company was 
authorized to extend a branch up the 
Mahoning valley to Tamaqua. At 
Mauch Chunk it connected with the 
Beaver Meadow road, which was now- 
extending to Hazleton. This road, at 
this time, only required ten miles of 
railroad to connect it, from the mouth 
of Quacake with the railroad which 
was now in use from the Lehigh at 
White Haven to Wilkesbarre, in the 
very heart of the Wyoming valley. 

At Weatherly, on the Quacake, the 
Catawissa railroad, as it is usually 
called, leaves the Beaver Meadow road 
and extends to the Susquehanna at 
Catawissa. It is all graded. The ma- 
i^onry of the bridges constructed and 
it is said that the company has made 
arrangements for laying the super- 
structure during the coming year. A 
line had been explored from Catawis- 
.sa to Williamsport, which was found 
perfectly practicable. The road com- 
ing eastward from the Susquehanna 
would have no grade exceeding 30 or 
35 feet to the mile. There were all so 
many feeders for the road from Free- 
mansburg to Philadelphia. 

Besides the advantages of through 
travel and freight, persons engaged in 
constructing railroads, have a right to 
expect large receipts from travel and 
v/ay freight. Railroads introduced fa- 
cilities for reaching market that in- 
duced people to carry to the city things 
which they could not afford to do, 
without such facilities, for the expens- 
es would over-reach the profits. All 



the short railroads leading to and 
from our large cities paid well. Such 
was the case with roads of that de- 
scription connected with Philadelphia; 
with New York, and with Boston. On 
the New York and Erie railroad, which 
passed through Orange county, the 
item of milk now paid in tolls and 
transportation upward of $60,000 per 
annum and they carried milk on it as 
much as £0 miles. 

The proposed road from Philadelphia 
to Easton, in the neighborhood of 
Quakertcwn would pass through an 
excellent grazing and dairy country, 
which v/ould make up a large item of 
freight and tolls and add a rich supply 
of the products of the dairy to the 
Philadelphia market. 

He urged the necessity of opening 
new avenues for transporting the 
mineral and agricultural wealth of our 
country to market,to meet the increas- 
ing necessities of our trade and busi- 
ness. As to the particular route of 
this road, between the termini, he 
bad nothing to say. If made, it ought 
to be made upon the shortest feasible 
route, so as to be capable of trans- 
porting upon it in the short- 
est possible time and at the 
lowest possible expense. It was the 
public that should be accommodated, 
not individuals or particular places 
to be favored. Our internal improve- 
ments had cost the state and the com- 
panies that constructed them, a great 
deal more than they ought. This 
might in some measure be attributed 
to the want of experience in our en- 
gineers, in the beginning, and perhaps 
to other causes since. The enormous 
ccct of constructing railroads had de- 
terred many persons from entering in- 
to them. 

It was all important that the engi- 
neer should be a man of undoubted ca- 
pacity and experience, as well as in- 
tegrity—one who knew how to do 
the work well — who would see that the 
contractors did their work well, and 
who would not become partner with 
the contractors to the piejudice of the 
stockholders, of which, from what he 
had heard, there had been more than 
one instance in the history of rail- 
road in this country. He meant to be 
entirely impersonal in this matter, but 
threw out these hints as matters to 
which railroad directors in all com- 
panies, should keep their attention 
directed ,and he would advise all rail- 
road directors to keep the reins in 
their own hands, and not give them 
entirely over to others. 



237 



He remarked that there had been 
some objections urged to this as an 
efficient coal road, for want of a ter- 
minus on the Delaware, whence coal 
would be shipped. This he said could 
easily be obviated. If the road was 
constructed by what was called the 
Wissahickon route, from Line Lexing- 
ton tov/ards Philadelphia, he had heard 
it suggested as feasible to have the 
Wissahickon about the mouth of San- 
dy run, in Whitemarsh, and strike the 
headwaters of the Taconey or Frank- 
ford creek, and reach the Delaware at 
Bridesburg, or that neighborhood 
where coal could be shipped, perhaps 
with as much facility as at (Port) 
Richmond, the terminus of the Read- 
ing railroad. 

He spoke of the munificent charities 
which had characterized Philadelphia, 
and on which they had expended so 
much of the solid wealth and capital 
v/hicn her citizens possessed. That 
altho' slow to adopt new measures or 
make new investments in new objects, 
yet when the prosperity of their city 
required it, they never were unwilling 
to furnish the means for the object, 
'that this was a measure of vital im- 
rortance to them, and intimately con- 
nected with the properity of their 
city. 

He thanked his audience for their at- 
tention, and closed his remarks whico 
occupied nearly an hour. 



Died. 



In this borough, Easton, Pa., on 
Saturday last, December 18. 1852, Mrs. 
Maria Barbara Nungesser. The deceas- 
ed T/as the oldest inhabitant of this 
place. She was born in 1758, and 
would have been 95 years old in March 
next. Since the decease of this vene- 
rable lady, Mr. John Herster, remains 
amongst us as the oldest citizen, who 
is in his 95th year. 

The funeral of Mrs. Nungesser took 
place yesterday (December 22,) at St. 
John's church, when a funeral sermon 
was preached by the Rev. Mr. Bomber- 
ger. 

The long and christian life of the de- 
ceased calls for more than passing 
notice. She was naturally endowed 
with uncommon powers of mind, of 
which she was in possession until the 
last moment of her earthly existence; 
a blessing for which she was very 
grateful. In early life she united 

herself with the German Reformed 
church, and adorned her profession by 
a consistent walk and conversation. 

She made the Bible the rule of her 



conduct, and stored her memory with 
its precious truths. 

The strong faith, the deep humility, 
the peacefulness and enduring forti- 
tude, which shone in her character, 
proves that she was taught of Jesus, 
and that He had added his blessing. 

Her flow of spirits and genial dis- 
position chased gloom from her domes- 
tic circle and enabled her cheerfully 
to bear up under the trials and sor- 
rows incident to humanity. The kind- 
ness which she extended to others was 
tloubly I'eturned by the deep interest 
and tender affections with which she 
was regarded by all of her children, 
grandchildren, great-grandchildren and 
friends snd told each of them, she was 
happy; inexpressibly happy; and go- 
ing home. Having blessed them all, 
she added. "Oh! prepare to meet me 
in Heaven." 

When the last hour arrived, she gent- 
ly fell asleep in Jesus. He was mani- 
festly Vvfith her and his presence illum- 
ed the dark valley and shadow of 
death. 

it is unspeakable comfort to those 
who remain, to know that she has ex- 
( hanged earth for Heaven. For her 
it is a happy change. She has put off 
this mortal, that she may put on im- 
mortality. 

She has long been waiting and anx- 
iously looking for the bridegroom, and 
we trust she has gone up to the "mar- 
riage supper of the Lamb," and that 
she is now among the ransomed mul- 
titude before the throne, having on her 
head a crown of life and in her hand 
a palm of victory. 
Happy saint! thy conflicts here are 

o'er. 
Angels conduct thee to the heavenly 

shore; 
And 'tis the Saviour's hand presents 
the crown of life. 

E. 



1853— '54. 
EARLY HISTORY OF EASTON. 
The Washington Hotel. 
Mr. Hetrich: — 

Sir: — Historians, such as Day, Rupp, 
Senseman, Richards, and others, 
which I have perused, are evidently 
all in error respecting this building, 
in ascribing the original building form- 
ing this hotel to have been one of the 
oldest in Easton; secondly that the 
Moravians had built it for a Brother's 
house, and thirdly that this house had 
been purchased in 1762 by the Luther- 
an congregation for a church and par- 
sonage^ (The latter, Rev. Richards 



238 



says in his farewell sermon of 9th 
March, 1851.) 

In connection with those errors (as 
mentioned ) there is another into 
which our townsman, J. M. Porter, 
Esq., has also fallen, in common with 
all the other writers on the subject, 
.n his centenary oration on the third 
of July last, wherein he stated that 
Easton was surveyed and laid out in 
1737 or 1738, by William Parsons, who, 
'ae states, was then the surveyor gen- 
eral. Easton was laid out and sur- 
veyed by Nicholas Scull in 1750, the 
first lots were sold in 1750. William 
i-'arsons was appointed surveyor gen- 
eral in 1742. Scull as his successor 
was appointed in 1748. Previous to 
the laying out of Easton, the Ferry 
(at the point or junction of the Dela- 
ware and Lehigh rivers) was establish- 
ed in the year 1739. It appears that 
David Martin had obtained the grant 
tor establishing the ferry. 

In a petition in 1745 for a road, it 
says in the records of Bucks county, 
thus: 

'The petition of David Martin was 
read, showing that the petitioners has 
obtained a patent under the great seal 
of this province, for keeping a ferry or 
ferries on the western shore of the 
river Delaware within certain bounds, 
by virtue whereof he has settled a fer- 
ry-boat at the forks of the Delaware, 
and that the Moravians settled in 
Bethlehem are very desirous a road 
may be laid out from their settlement 
to his said ferry, which will be a great 
convenience to them and others, trav- 
elling to and from Bethlehem and 
New York, and therefore pray for an 
order to lay out a road from the Mora- 
vian settlement at Bethlehem to the 
?.'cv3 ferry at the Forks.' This peti- 
tion shows that Easton had not been 
laid out in 1745. 

John Okely, a Moravian, living at 
Eethlehem, a justice of the peace, a 
scrivener, a gentleman of superior tal- 
ents, was one of the delegates to the 
provincial convention in forming the 
constitution of Pennsylvania in 1775, 
and in other public capacities, and in 
the secular affairs of the iVIoravians 
v^as universally employed and looked 
to for advice. The records show a 
number of tracts of land that he pur- 
chased in his own name which he sub- 
sequently conveyed to the Moravian 
society. Amongst the rest, Mr. Oke- 
ly purchased lots Nos. 120 and 121; 
] 20 feet front on South Pomfret street, 
in Easton, and 230 feet In depth, as 
per deed of conveyance, March 7, 1757, 



by Thomas Penn and John Penn. On 
these lots he erected the house, origi- 
nally part of the Washington hotel in 
occupancy of Peter Bellis. In the year 
1762 Mr. Okely sold these lots and 
house to Thomas Seidel, the proprie- 
tary of the Moravian lands in Penn- 
sylvania, for £450, in 1765, Nathaniel 
Seidel conveys these lots and building 
to Conrad Shreuber (a tanner) for 
£400, and in the same year Elizabeth 
M. Schreuber, executrix of Conrad 
Shreuber conveys them to David Ber- 
inger. They subsequently came into 
the possession of Bachman, and even- 
tually were sold by the sheriff and pur- 
chased by Jacob Abel, Esq., about the 
year 1775. 

I find from the records that Mr. Oke- 
ly purchased a number of tracts of 
land, some of which he subsequently 
conveyed to Nathaniel Seidel. It is well 
known amongst the Moravians, that 
these purchased by Mr. Okely created 
considerable uneasiness with the cler- 
gy of the society, as they, in some 
measure, were under obligations to 
Okely to take these purchases off his 
hands, yet they thought that he went 
itywhichthey(teclergy)didnotrelis e at 
too fast and thus assumed an author- 
ity which they (the clergy) did not 
relish. More particularly the pur- 
chase of these lots in Easton, was not 
in unison with the feelings of the Mo- 
ravians. Easton, from its being the 
county town of Northampton, would of 
course admit persons of all descrip- 
tions settling in it, which in itself 
would create a state of things entirely 
at variance with Moravian policy. 
They wanted to live and act entirely 
independent of all control by persons 
come in contact with them. Mr. Oke- 
Iv, and not the Moravians built this 
house between 1757 and 1759. Mora- 
vian history does not show that the 
house had ever been occupied by any 
Moravians, and certainly never was 
used as a Brethren's house, (which 
term means being occupied by a num- 
ber of Moravians either single or mar- 
ried, living in it.) Rev. Levin Reichel, 
who is now engaged in writing a his- 
tory of the Moravians, informed me. 
that in his researches in the archives, 
be has not found any mention made of 
such having been the case. 

Rev. Henry Muhlenberg in his re- 
port to Halle, in Germany, on the 
church matters of the Lutherans in 
Pennsylvania says that 'On the 13th 
of May, 1763, a man from Easton vis- 
ited me who informed me that the 
Lutheran congregation of that place, 



239 



had bought a large house for £400 
($1066) which they intend to use as 
a church and parsonage.' This may be 
correct for aught I know. But Rev. 
Richards' conclusions, that the house 
nov; forming part of Washington ho- 
tel is the house they purchased, is ev- 
idently contradicted by the records. 
Yours, H. 

M. S. HENRY. 



Died. 



In Bushkill township, on the 4th of 
October last, (1853), Mrs Eva Rosina 
Fehr, at the advanced age of 96 years, 
7 months and 27 days. 

The deceased v>fas bom in the year 
1757, in Tinicum township, Bucks coun- 
ty, and in early youth became a mem- 
ber of the Lutheran church. She was 
united in matrimony to John Fehr, in 
the year 1773, with whom she lived 
very happily for more than three score 
years. Since the death of her husband 
v»rhich occurred in the year 1833, she 
had enjoyed very good health, and 
with the exception of a partial dimness 
of sight, her faculties remained per- 
fect to the day of her death. She 
was the mother of thirteen children, 
r.ine of v/^hom are living, ninety grand- 
children, 242 great grand-children, and 
23 great-great-great-grandchildren. She 
was a regular attendant upon divine 
service, until a short time before her 
death when the infirmities of age com- 
pelled her to deny herself the privilege 
of joining her neighbors in worship- 
ping her Maker in the house of God. 
After an illness of a few days, which 
she bore with Christian fortitude and 
resignation, she breathed her last in 
the blessed hope of a glorious immor- 
tality. 



First Visit to a Town. 

An astonishing fact was related a 
few days since, of a man whose name 
is Schug, who, according to his own 
statement, is about twenty-six years of 
age, and resided only six miles from 
this place, and never saw a town or 
visited Easton before last week. In 
this progressive age, a circumstance 
like this truly surprising. It is said 
that a certain Roman lived sixty years 
in the city of Rome, without ever going 
outside of its walls, but that an intel- 
ligent Dutch Yankee should live twen- 
ty-six years so near Easton, without 
seeing it, is much more marvellous 
Bamum need not trouble himself about 
him. He could not make a trump out 
of such a chap. 
(December 14, 1853.) 



We publish to-day the interesting 
proceedings and able address connect- 
ed with the celebration by the students 
of Lafayette, on the completion of the 
Gubscription of $100,000 as an endown- 
ment fund of the college. 

The illumination of the College build- 
ing was rea'ly beautiful and the torch 
light procession was conducted in a 
highly creditable manner. There can 
no longer be any doubt ot the future 
prosperitv of thv; institution, in which 
tlie citizens of Easlju. auj this entire 
section cf country, are so much inter- 
ested. Arrangements are now being 
n:adc to improve the old btnldings, and 
the erection of new ones, for the ac- 
commodation of a large number of new 
students. Dr. McLean has been untir- 
ing in his labours to relieve the insti- 
tution from its pecuniary embarrass- 
ments. He has been successful be- 
yond even the expectations of many 
of the warmest friends of the College. 
(January 11, 1854.) 

*0'mitted in these notes. 

Interesting Correspondence. 

With pleasure we lay before our 
readers the following correspondence 
between the Members of the Nor- 
thampton county Bar and the Citizens 
of Easton and the Hon. J. M. Porter, 
on the occasion of his retiring from 
our midst, by accepting the President 
Judgeship of the 22nd Judicial Dis- 
trict. It speaks for itself. 
Easton, November 30, 1853. 

Hon. J. M. Porter 

Sir; — Your friends, members of 
the bar of Northampton county, can- 
not permit the occasion to pass.which 
calls you away from your professional 
avocations among us to a judicial sta- 
tion, without the expression of our re- 
gret at severing the intercourse of 
years, marked by so much that will 
ever be held in pleasant and grateful 
remembrance, and at the same time 
making some public demonstration of 
our high appreciation of your merits 
and abilities, as a lawyer and a citi- 
zen. We v/ould, therefore, respectfully, 
request you to name a day that will 
suit you to meet us at a public dinner. 
Respectfully yours. 
Maximillian Goepp, Philip Johnson, 
Henry F. Steckle, Henry Green, A. H. 
Reeder, M. H. Jones ,H. D. Maxwell, 
George W. Yates, S. C. Cook,, Jr. 
Easton December 30, 1853. 

Gentlemen: — I avail myself of the 
first opportunity afforded me to ack- 
nowledge the receipt of your letter 
of the 30th. ult. forwarded to me at 



240 



Honesdale, in which, as members of 
the Northampton County Bar, you ex- 
press your regret at the severing of 
our professional intercourse by my ac- 
ceptance of the Presidency of the 
adjoining Judicial District and tender 
me a public dinner and etc. 

For thirty-five years, and upwards, 
I have been a member of and connect- 
ed with your bar, confessedly one of 
the ablest and most learned in the 
State. I have met or acted with you 
all as opi)onents or colleagues in many 
a hard fought trial of professional 
skill. Whilst I sincerely regret that 
we shall probably no more meet pro- 
fessionally, as we have done, I cannot 
but be gratified that we part with the 
warm sentiments of personal friend- 
ship, of which your letter gives me the 
assurance, and I shall carry with me 
to the grave the lively recollection of 
the many pleasant hours we have 
spent together, in the forum and in the 
domestic circle. 

Much as I should be pleased to 
meet you at the festive board and talk 
of "Auld Lang Syne,' the nature 
of my engagements are such that I 
must decline your kind invitation t6 
a public dinner. 

I sincerely regret that I am compel- 
led to do so and am, 

Very Truly yours. 

J. M. Porter. 

To A. H. Reeder, M. H. Jones, H. D. 
Maxwell, Esqs., and others, members 
of the Easton Bar. 

Hon J. M. Porter; — 

Sir: — The undersigned your friends 
of the Borough of Easton cannot 
allow this occasion to pass where you 
are about to leave a community in 
which you have spent so many years 
of usefulness and made so many warm 
and sincere friends, without some 
demonstration of their high regard for 
your many good qualities and their 
appreciation of your merits and abili- 
ties. 

Entertaining the most grateful recol- 
lection of your service to the commun- 
ity and of the pleasant relation which 
have subsisted between yourself and 
them, they beg leave to tender you a 
public dinner at such time as will suit 
your convenience. 

Very respectfully yours. 

Thomas McKeen, David D. Wagner, 
John Davis, William H. Lawall, Ben- 
jamin Ihrie. George W. Stein, David 
Barnet, T. R. Sitgreaves, Peter Bellis, 
John Konn, C. Heckman, Isbon Bene- 
dict, Henry S. Troxell, A. Berlin, John 



Micke, John S. Noble, J. A. Innes, 
Abraham Sigman, D. H. Neiman, John 
Titus, William Maxwell, David Able, 
William H. Pomp, Joseph Lane, John 
A. Sletor, P. Mixsell, Jr., John J. Hers- 
ter, C.Nicholas, Mushback & Angle, 
David Garis, William Walker, Ed. P. 
Field. E. A. Atlee, J. N. Hutchinson, 
J. H. Wilking, Wm. Hackett, Thomas 
Sletor, Charles Innes, Samuel Sieg- 
fried, P. F. Eilenberger, William J. 
Brown, T. B. Curtis, Charles Green, 
Samuel Stem, Horace E. Wolf, John 
Maxwell, A. Coryell, James Morison, 
S. L. Rodenbough, E. P. Hill, James 
Shoemaker, Levi Bennet.Samuel Sandt 
Frederick Seitz, B. F. Amdt, John 
Bachman. Peter M. Correll, Jared R. 
Cook, Mahlon Taylor, H. Detwiller, C. 
Pomp, Michael Weaver, J. C. Lowthrop. 
James McCullough, Samuel Adamis, 
Jacob Able, Jr. David, Conner, Wm. 
H. Atwood, J. C. Hagenbuch, Edward 
Seip. C. Kitchen. Robert Gue, Robert 
McDowell, Jesse B. Shipman, R. B. 
Templin, J. Murphy, Jr.. D. Lachenour. 
Adam Yohe, William J. Harmany. Wm. 
B. Levan, Robert C. Pyle. Charles J. 
Craig, Henry Keller, Charles M. Stout, 
U. T. Wame, John Tindall. Josiah P. 
Hetrich, Simon Lattig, Mahlon West. 
George Hess, Peter Winter, James F. 
Randolph, H. Hamman, Wm. M. Pat- 
terson. H. B. Duffin, John Hall. Wil- 
liam Paul. Jos. M. Hester, Samuel 
Able, Frederick Thompson, Philip H. 
Mattes, McEvers Forman, J. T. 
Knight, Peter Tellier, Lewis Stout, 
Frederick W. Noble, A. Miller. 

Easton, Dec. 30, 1^53 
Gentlemen:— On mv return from 
the Pike county court, I received with 
grateful emotions your letter express- 
ive of your kind feelings towards me. 
your appreciation of my character ani 
of my services in the community of 
which I have been so long a member, 
and your desire to tender me a public 
dinner. 

My engagement, I regret to say, will 
not permit me to accept your kind 
and flattering invitation. But I must 
thank you for the sentiments you 
have exipressed towards me individu- 
ally. I have lived a^riong you for near- 
ly thirty-six years and have to some 
extent been identified with the pro- 
gress of this beautiful and prosperous 
place. I came among you as it were. 
a youth and a stranger— you took me 
kindly by the hand and encouraged my 
efforts to rise in my profession. You 
have conferred upon me many immis 
takable evidences of your confidence 
and your letter assures me that I have 



241 



not betrayed it. I have passed from 
early youth to more than three score 
years in your midst and to retain the 
confidence, esteem, and friendship of 
such a community as Easton, is an 
ample recompense for a life of toil 
and devotion to the interests of my 
fellow citizens. 

The duties of the responsible situa- 
tion which I now fill will legally sep- 
arate me from you. Yet I shall aways 
be with you in heart and in feeling, 
and as often in person as my avoca- 
tions will "permit. I have seen our 
beauteous town grow from an ordinary 
village to be one of the largest inland 
towns in the state. "The Forks of the 
Delaware," are now a miniature and a 
model city. It is surrounded by scen- 
ery of almost unrivaled beauty and 
magnificence. Since my coming among 
you, you have expended nearly one 
hundred thousand dollars in the erec- 
tion of churches, a college and literary 
institutions. An equal amount in the 
improving and beautifying your 
streets, besides the sums expended 
upon private edifices, the amount of 
which I will not pretend to estimate. 
You have been an order loving and in- 
dustrious community pervaded by a 
high moral tone and a great regard to 
the proprieties of life. And you have 
reaped the reward due to the integ- 
rity of the character of your citizens 
in your prosperity. With you this is 



indeed the age of progress. The fertil- 
ity of the soil of the region in which 
you are placed enables your farmers 
to reach the rich reward of their in- 
dustry. The bowels of the earth are 
filled with mineral treasures which are 
being developed and are making yours 
the most productive iron region in the 
f^ountry. The lines of canals and rail- 
roads already in use bring you into 
close prcxiruity with the commercial 
cities of the seaboard, the coal regions 
in the interior, and these fai^ilities are 
shortly to be increased by the comple- 
tion of the additional lines of inter- 
communication now in progress. 

With these advantages, your pros- 
perity, under Providence, can only be 
limited by the extent of your own ex- 
ertions. That a kind and beningnant 
Providence may continue to shower 
upon you its me''cies, enable you to 
maintain the high character which is 
universally conceded to you, and 
crown all your efforts to promote the 
spirit of libe'-ai beneficence and unos- 
tentatious hos])itality and charity, as 
has been yo;ir wont, is the sincere 
prayer of 

Your fellow citizen. 

J. M. PORTER. 
To David D. Wagener, J. H. Wilking, 

T. R. Sitgraves, John Davis, J. P. 

Hetrick, D. H. Neiman, Benj. Ihrie, 

Wm H. Lawall, and others, citizens 

of Easton, etc. 



THE END. 



242 



FORKS OF DELAWARE— POETS AND 
POETRY, 



Short Biographical Sketches. 



An Interesting: and Valuable Collection Compiled 
by a Delver Into Historical and Literary Re- 
views, Popular with Free Press Readers. 



Contributed by Ethan A. Weaver. 

Readers of the Free Press will be glad 
to learn that they are to again have 
laid before them an interesting series of 
articles from the pen of Ethan Allen 
Weaver, of Philadelphia, a former Eas- 
tonian, whose chief recreation lies in 
delving into the history of the Forks of 
the Delaware and preparing in readable 
form the results of his research. Mr. 
\^'eaver has compiled after many years 
of labor, considerable information con- 
cerning "Some of the Poets and Poetry 
of the Forks of the Delaware," and this 
is to be published in the Free Press from 
time to time in continued articles. Mr. 
Weaver's interesting compilation follows: 



A review of the local events of the last 
fifty years of Easton's first century as 
extracted f^'om the newspapers covering 
that period would be incomplete without 
reference to '"Some of the Poets and 
Poetry of the Forks of the Delaware." 

Tlie early newspajier files of Easton 
contain many contributions in verse from 
local writers several of whom became dis- 
tinguished in literature. There was much 
in the surroundings of Easton to give in- 
spiration in this direction. Its l^eauti- 
ful and romantic scenery, its early his- 
tory in connection with the native Amer- 
ican — the Indian — and the culture and 
refinement of its people, influenced the 
literary tastes of those to whom men- 
tion will be made in this caption; others 
have hidden tlieir identity under fic- 
titious names. Many beautiful lines 
which have been written from the his- 
toric "forks" bear the names of the 
writers in such mysterious names as 
Nunez, Memoria, Mira, J. D. S., Rambler, 
H., H. B., Mercy, D. K. J., Sarah, Jack, 
Lack, D. W. B.," Ralph, Visitor, Juvenis, 
Dylace, S. N. D., Dvlock, Fanny, F. M. L., 
r! H. T., N. L. E.I N. E., Z., E., L., W., 
n., Fstelle, J. W. C, M., Lafavette Bard, 
Aunt, W. G., Delta, C, C. J. J., D. E. P., 
Ketchum, O. Junior, Lizzie, Henry, Abe- 
lard, Nate, H. E. B., Frank, Incognitas, 
Eleanor, et. al. 

The names of the following also ap- 
peaar: "Fanny Foxglove" (Mrs. John S. 



Lehn), Louisa Boidelman (daughter of 
Rev. .John P. Hecht), H. B. Brotzman, 
W. H. Luckenbach, Rev. James Lowry, 
Ella Moore, of Belvidere, N. J., Solon 
Horn, Rev. William Barns, Rev. A. B. 
Burrell, S. D. Patterson, Margaret Jun- 
kin (Preston), Mrs. E. S. Swift, Jane 
Lewers Gray, Braincrd Williamson, Frank 
B. Copp, INIrs. Stout and others. Those 
wh?) recall the advertising verses of 
Pyle's Easton Hall of Fashion, will learn 
perhaps for the first time that these 
were the productions of Mrs. Beidelman 
and Mrs. Swift. There is a pathos in the 
lines of "Fanny Foxglove" which give 
tliem a high rank in the poetry of the 
times, and their publication in book 
form would bring into existence a de- 
liglitful collection of poetry of local in- 
terest. 

WILLIAM MOORE SMITH. 
The earliest of the poets to treat of lo- 
cal subjects in verse was William Moore 
Smith, a son of the Rev. William Smith, 
D. D., the first Provost of the University 
of Pennsylvania, who was one of the con- 
tributors, in 1755, to the public school 
fund of Easton. He was born in 1759 
and graduated at the University of Penn- 
sylvania in 1775. Soon after leaving col- 
lege he located at Easton where he read 
law, remaining there for some years, 
when he received the agency for the set- 
tlement of British claims in America 
provided for in Jay's treaty which re- 
quired his presence in England and he ac- 
cordingly visited that country success- 
fully accomplishing the purpose for 
which his services had been engaged. 
LTpon his return to America he retired 
from his professional practice to a coun- 
try residence on the Old York Road near 
(Jermantown, Penna., where he continued 
to reside, engaged chiefly in literary 
pursuits initil his death in 1821. In 
1796-97 he was Grand Master of the 
Masonic Grand Lodge of the State of 
Pennsylvania and presented the address 
of the Grand Lodge to General Wash- 
ington on his retirement from the Presi- 
dency of the United States. 

Mr. Smith was remarkably studious 
and his great ac(]uisitions in knowledge 
of every kind Glided by a renuirkably re- 
tentive memory, made his mind a rich 
treasury of learning. It has been ob- 
served respecting him that he was a 
living index of what had passed as well 
as to what was passing before him, and 
his references were seldom marked by 
erior. The following poem is from a 
work entitled: 

"Poems on Several Occasions Written 
in Pennsvlvania— By WILLIAM MOORE 
SMITH, "Esq.; 'Nee Lusisse Pudet.' " 
riiiladelijhia. Printed: Ixmdon, Re- 
])rinled by C. Dilly, MDCCLXXXVI. 



243 



An Ode 

To the River Lehigh. 

Oh thou, who lead'st the wand'ringwave, 

By BETHLEHEM'S pensive BRETH- 

The gay, luxuriant meads to lave, 

REN prest, 
And view'st, dark frowning o'er the 
plains, 
The sullen* mansion that contains 
The sorrows of the widow'd breast; 

Where, by thy willow-fringed shores, 
MONOCKISY in torrents pours 

His cooling streams, to mix with thine; 
If e'er thou staid'st thy course, to hear 

The pious hymn, the solemn air, 

That echo'd from the CLOISTER'S** 
shrine; 

If e'er the deep-drawn sigh could please, 
If e'er thy gently waving trees 

To hopeless love have lent their shade; 
If e'er the notes of Grief were dear. 

If e'er you drank the silent tear, 
By meek Devotion's Sisters paid; 

Attend, mild Stream, to me attend, 
And be once more the wretch's friend, 

From hopeless love my sorrows flow. 
Ye tow'ring oaks, your branches 
spread 

Thou humbler willow, bend thy head 
To shade the furrow'd brow of woe! 

Yet, ah! — to me your shades are vain, 
They cannot sooth the lover's pain. 

When ling'ring Hope has wing'd away; 
They cannot stop the starting tear. 

Nor o'er thy dreary gloom. Despair, 
Can shed a single chearing ray. 

Thy banks, mild Flood, no more can 
please, 

No more the waving of thy trees, 
To me, a transport can impart; 

The verdure fades, the landscape dies. 
Each air-drawn scone of Fancy flies. 

When Anguish rankles at the heart. 

If by thy flow'ry banks I rove, 
Or wander thro' the silent grove, 

That shados thy waters as they flow; 
The tear still bulges in my eye. 

Still Recollection call the sigh. 

And points the venom'd sting of woe. 

Yet once along thy shores I stray'd. 
Or, careless of each grief, I play'd. 

Thy rose-encircled bow'rs among; 
Then Fancy's wreaths I gaily twin'd. 

Or in the tuneful chorus joined. 

While to the woods the throstles sung. 

And, would LOUISA bless her swain. 
Thy banks, mild stream, would please 
again. 
And ])rightor vorduo deck each grove; 



Oft, wand'ring then those banks along. 

For her I'd tune my artless song. 
And thou should'st smile upon my love. 

*The Widows' house at Bethlehem. 
**The Single Sisters' house. 

MARGARET JUNKIN PRESTON. 

The best known of Easton's poets is 
one whose name is intimately associated 
with the beginning and early history of 
Easton's college — Margai-et Junkin Pres- 
ton, daughter of Rev. George Junkin, D. 
D., the first President of Lafayette Col- 
lege, whose personal sacrifices, more than 
those of any other individual, kept the 
college alive in its struggling days. I 
have before me an interesting volume 
recently published entitled "The Life 
and Letters of Margaret Junkin Pres- 
ton," by Elizabeth Preston Allan. The 
book is replete with interest, for in con- 
nection with the biography of this tal- 
ented woman is given her journal of war 
times which relates to her experiences 
and many of the events of the Rebellion 
as she saw them whilst a resident of 
Lexington, Va. 

From this interesting little volume I 
extract most of the following: 

Margaret Junkin Preston was born at 
Milton, Penna., May 19, 1820, her father 
a minister in the Associate Reformed 
Church having removed to that village 
after his marriage. When she was ten 
years of age Dr. Junkin removed to Ger- 
mantown. Pa., to take charge of the 
Manual Labor School there. [The loca- 
tion and buildings which this occupied, 
are within sight of my home, where this 
contribution is written.] This brought 
the City of Philadelphia and the friends 
of her mother's girl-hood days within 
reach of an afternoon's call, and the two 
years spent within the glamour of city 
ways, where life was eased somewhat of 
burden and drudgery, brightened with 
opportunities of sight-seeing, and sweet- 
ened by ties of kindred and family af- 
fection, were the red-letter days in the 
memory of the child and maiden, and 
even of the old woman. Slie never after- 
wards lived in the city until her declin- 
ing years brought her to Baltimore, and 
then four walls bounded the world for 
her, but the two years in Gormantown 
were memorable in Margaret's life for 
the beginning of that rare blessedness 
and life long friendship. 

One of Dr. Junkin's teachers in the 
Manual I^ibor School who followed him 
to Easton and gave valuable aid in the 
founding of Lafayette College was 
Charles F. McCay, who aiter- 
wards filled the chair of Mathematics in 
the University of Georgia and was for a 
time President of the College of South 
Carolina. He was the dearest of ]\Iar- 



244 



garet Jimkin's early friends and as her 
biographer says, she has seen in the light 
of her eyes when she spoke of him fifty 
years afterwards, the reflection from 
that great distance of his bright lovable 
nature. Mr. McCay was to little Mar- 
garet an unselfish elder brother. He was 
ten years her senior but seems to have 
found nothing more to his tastes than 
the companionship of the two little girls 
Margaret and her sister Eleanor whose 
studies he fostered and encouraged, 
whose sedate little games he enlivened 
with boyish spirits, and whose dear com- 
rade he was in a thousand helpful ways, 
and one of the sweetest and brightest 
blessings of her life God had kept for 
Margaret Junkin in her declining years, 
when she lived in Baltimore with her eld- 
est son at whose home she died. A 
daughter of Prof. MeCay he had named 
Julia Junkin for I\Irs. Preston's mother. 
The friendship which struck root first at 
C4ermantown and grew apace while the 
Junkins lived at Easton was tenderly 
cherished during the quarter of a century 
that Mrs. Preston lived in Virginia, 
while Mr. McCay was engaged in educa- 
tional work in Ceorgia ; but its sweetest 
blossom flowered into beauty during those 
years of decline in Baltimore when the 
same Julia Junkin McCay brought the 
fragrance of her sweet presence into the 
sad old life, and became the daily com- 
panion, amanuensis, and comforter of her 
father's dearest friend. 

The removal of Dr. Junkin from Cer- 
mantown to Easton was in the interest 
of an educational enthusiasm which was 
then paramount with him. He had left 
his country churches in 1829 to take the 
presidency of Pennsylvania's Manual 
Labor School, at Germantown, "con- 
vinced," he says himself, "that I might 
be useful in bringing into the ministry 
men of the right stamp, and thus do 
more than I could in my pastoral posi- 
tion." For this Manual Labor School 
was not intended primarih' to make ar- 
tisans, mechanics, or artists of any sort, 
but "had been inaugurated by philan- 
thropic gentlemen of the Presbyterian 
Church, in and around Philadelphia, with 
a view to facilitate the education of 
young men for the Christian ministry." 

After carrying on this Germantown en- 
ter))rise for two years, filling the school 
with students and doing conspicuously 
good work in organizing new and im- 
proved methods, Dr. Junkin found that 
liis board of trustees were minded to 
leave to him not only the management, 
but the financial responsibility of the 
school. As a matter of fact, many of 
the pecuniary claims of those two years 
were met out of his private fortune. 

.And so ready was this man to sj)end 
and be spent for his fellowmen that it 



seems likely he would have gone on sup- 
plying this deficit as long as he had a 
dollar left, if another factor had not 
entered into the question; one which was 
three times to ujiroot his plans and his 
home. This was his unfaltering and 
outspoken loyalty to conviction. 

It is not necessary to enter here upon 
those dissensions in the Presbyterian 
Church which resulted in its division in- 
to the "Old" and the "New" schools; suf- 
fice it to say that this line, falling be- 
tween Dr. Junkin and his trustees at 
Germantown, made him willing to en- 
tertain the proposal to remove to Eas- 
ton, Pa., where an embryo college offered 
a fine opportunity for realizing the en- 
thusiast's dreams of education which 
should be at once theoretical and practi- 
cal. 

To this new home the Junkins moved 
when Margaret was twelve years old; 
when he took up his residence on College 
Hill he occupied the rooms in the base- 
ment and floors above of the east end of 
what is now South College. His "study" 
faced the town, and it and the dining 
room and kitchen were in the basement 
— "tombs;" and here, with an interval 
spent — as we shall see later — in Ohio, 
the child grew into womanhood, and 
lived sixteen eager, busy, ambitious 
years. Here, of course, her education 
went on under the most favorable cir- 
cumstances; favorable, that is to say, 
for the mental culture per se. One still 
doubts, whether a judicious mixture of 
the frivolous, a little more of the com- 
panionship of nonsense, wovild not have 
been more wholesome for a highly ro- 
mantic soul, much given to introspection. 
But that might have spoiled the poet. 
Who can say? 

At Easton, as elsewhere, but perhaps 
especially at Easton, her father's intense 
and absorbing purpose, which resulted 
in the establishment of Lafayette Col- 
lege, was the chief factor in the girl's 
education. How full of splendid moral 
tonic must have been the atmosphere of 
that home, where personal interests were 
not first, an end to which work and sal- 
ary were only means; but where the 
work was first, and the family a noble 
fellowship, whose highest aims were to 
further the work — for God and man ! 
What were Greek and Latin and French 
and history, compared to this school of 
life, in which her father, and no less her 
unselfish, high-souled mother, were her 
lesson-books! 

And yet the Greek and Latin and lit- 
erature were much, and at Easton, ^Lar- 
garet's home studies were widened by 
private lessons from the nascent college's 
professors and tutors. Her application 
was intense. And as she was not reliev- 



245 



ed from domestic duties during these 
years of hard study, but on the contrary 
assumed conscientiously (as the eldest 
daughter) a large part of them, the strain 
must have been very great. In after 
years her husband would playfullj^ tell 
her — towering above her small stature — 
that it was the weight of these studies 
in early life that had stunted her 
growth, and made her, as Browning says, 
"the smallest lady alive." 

There was, however, another tradition 
in the family as to the cause of Marga- 
ret's small size, for she had been tossed 
on the horns of a cow, as a little toddler, 
a year or two old; and everybody knows 
the Scotch superstition which attributes 
to this mishap the power to dwarf a lit- 
tle child's growth. 

Mrs. Preston often spoke of the differ- 
ence between the avocations of her young 
life and the so much lighter tasks of 
girls at the end of the century; "we 
made everything we Avore, when I was 
a young lady, my dear," she often said, 
"from our hand-embroidered collars and 
cuffs and tlie worked edging on our un- 
derclothes, our corsets, and our hem- 
stitched handkerchiefs, to our gaiter- 
tops, which we stitched, and then had 
soled at the shoemaker's, not to speak 
of stitching linen shirts by the dozen 
(with collars and cuffs attached) for our 
father and brothers. All this, remember, 
was done by hand." 

"How did you ever find time to read 
or write?" her listener would exclaim, 
and thus put on her mettle, the older 
\Aoman would count up the classic au- 
thors in history, fiction and poetry which 
she and her sisters read under their 
mother's guidance in those early, busy 
days. "We would have been ashamed 
to confess ignorance of these writers," 
she would insist; "all educated women 
in my youth were expected to have at 
least so much knowledge." 

But the circle of girls whose May-time 
was in the sixties and seventies, instead 
of the thirties and forties of the cen- 
tury, shook tlieir heads (heads often in- 
nocent of (Jibbon and Hume, of Coleridge, 
Soutliey and Wordsworth), and doubted 
whether the poetess was not judging her 
contemporaries by herself. Perhaps their 
suspicions were right. 

Another reminiscence of Margaret 
Junkin's student days took the form of 
a keen regret in later years; for it was 
connected witli that loss of good eye- 
sight which so earl}' sot a limit to the 
girl's otherwise unbounded ambition. 
'Tlie only time," she said, "that I had 
to prepare my Greek lessons was after 
the family bedtime; the only time my 
busy father could hear me recite* was 
before our early bro;ikfast; so tliat 



study and recitation were both done by 
the inefficient light of our primitive can- 
dles. I am sure the close sight thus re- 
quired by the Greek text put a strain 
upon my eyes which was the beginning 
of my trouble." 

"Many a time," her children remember 
hearing her say "when we would kiss our 
mother good-night, she would say to sis- 
ter Ellie, 'Be sure you put out Maggie's 
candle when you go to bed;' but when 
Ellie would offer to discharge her mis- 
sion, I would raise my finger in half-ser- 
ious threat, and say, 'Touch it if you 
dare!' It was the only respect in which 
I disobeyed my mother's wishes, and as 
my father encouraged my undertaking 
more than I could possibly do in the 
daytime, I felt justified. But in this, as 
in eAcrything else, my mother was far 
u'iser than I." 

Some years before Mrs. Preston's 
death, when an admirer spoke of her 
scholarship, she answered with an al- 
most angry disclaimer, "How can you 
speak of one as a scholar whose studies 
were cut short at twenty-one, never to 
be resumed!" And if one limits the 
word "study" to systematic lessons, this 
was true. 

For at that age Margaret's eyes were 
in such a condition that loss of sight was 
feared, and for about seven years she 
was hardly allowed any reading, much 
less study; for part of that time she 
liAcd in a darkened room, often suffering 
acute pain, and during the whole time 
her impatient spirit was chafed and 
fretted by thwarted ambition. She took 
entire charge of the housekeeping dur- 
ing those years, walked and visited, and 
helped on th.e education of the younger 
children as far as her "ball and chain" 
would permit. 

Before tliis period of semi-blindness, 
and afterwards, the education of her 
brothers and sisters was the most stren- 
uous purpose of her life, and they bear 
record today to her unwearied efforts to 
interest them in good reading and in 
nu^niorizing poetry, besides helping them 
in daily and less enlivening tasks. 

One of the pleasin-es which this fail- 
ure of ej'osight denied the young student 
was the use of pencil and brush. She 
had very decided artistic talent, and al- 
though want of thorough instruction and 
this earlv embargo upon the use of her 
eyes threw her out of the race for any 
prize in this respect, she always said it 
was the work she loved best, and that if 
she had been free to choose, she would 
willingly liave thrown away her pen for 
crayon or ])alette. 

It must have been soon after going to 
Easton that Margaret began to write. 
No record can be found — how interesting 
sucli would 1)0! — of hor first attempt at 



246 



versp-making. Her kindred now living 
cannot remember a time when she did 
not write verses and rhj-ming letters; so 
tliat it is left to our imagination to pic- 
ture the little girl, her small fair face 
flushed with eagerness, her hands tremb- 
ling, her pulses galloping, as she feels 
tlie first breath of that divine afflatus 
which was later to take possession of her 
spirit, making her a priestess of no mean 
order in this cult. 

As we cannot find, in that dim past, 
the beginning of her intellectual life, 
neither is there any record of the be- 
ginning of the deeper life which we call 
religion. Did she grow into that sweet 
inheritance of faith, which is the happy 
privilege of children of the covenant, 
hardly knowing when she made the great 
decision, stepping over the boundary be- 
tween natural and revealed religion so 
early that it was an invisible line ? We 
cannot remember to have heard her tell 
the story of her conversion; but the im- 
pression her after-Christian life made 
was that of one who had had deep con- 
viction of sin, anxious fears, more or 
less struggle as if the way had proved 
straight and narrow to her young soul. 
There came dark days in her life af- 
terwards when she questions the reality 
of her conversion; but she was the only 
one who could doubt the sincerity of a 
faith and devotion that for threescore 
years "constrained" her; holding her to 
convictions of duty, prompting daily lov- 
ing-kindness, calling forth constant 
acknov>ledgment of God's greatness and 
praise of His goodness, even when unable 
to feel assured of her own acceptance 
with him. 

The tone of Calvinistic religion sev- 
enty years ago was sternly distant from 
our Lord's tender words, "Suffer the lit- 
tle children to come unto me, and for- 
bid them not." One reminiscence of ^Irs. 
Preston's childhood will serve to show 
how cruelly uuAvise and unlike their Mas- 
ter some "of those very good Christians 
were in this respect. J\Irs. Preston used 
to tell us, with a shiver at the recollec- 
tion (and her little hearers shivered 
with her) of a certain Sabbath afternoon 
when the child, playing out in God's sun- 
shine and sweet air. was caught by a sol- 
emn-faced thelogical student, a compara- 
tive stranger, and carried oflf to a dark- 
ened room, to be questioned about the 
safety of her soul! The little one was 
.hardly old enough to know that she had 
a soul, and certainly its interests could 
have been safely left with her Heavenly 
Father; but the pious young prig, not 
getting satisfactory answers, told her 
that he was very much afraid her soul 
was going to be lost! Let us hope that 
conscience tormented the saintly idiot 
properly, in after days, for putting this 



cruel and wicked thought into the heart 
of a little child of the covenant, whose 
blessed privilege it ought to have been at 
that age to know only the love of God in 
Christ Jesus. 

One must not, of course, set down to a 
creed the faults of its fanatics. Those 
lofty views of God's holiness, of his all- 
wise and powerful control, which men 
call Calvinism, were the foundation 
stones of Mrs. Preston's character; but 
we are at liberty to rejoice, as she did 
afterwards, that God's infinite loving- 
kindness has had its proper emphasis in 
the teaching of this generation. 

There was another incident, associated 
in the minds of ]\Trs. Preston's children 
with this last, which also had a most un- 
happy effect upon her childhood; its evil 
spell was never quite exercised. This, 
too, had for its background a happy lit- 
tle child and a bright autumn day in 
which the young heart was rejoicing. 
This time she was taken, without know- 
ing where she was going, into a house of 
mourning, where people sat in solemn 
rows (waiting no doubt for a funeral ser- 
vice) and wearing looks of woe. The 
child was terrified at the awful silence 
and gloom, and when she was lifted for a 
sight of the white face in its coffin, and 
her warm little hand was taken in an 
older hand and laid on the dead brow, the 
terrible unknown chill sent a shock to 
her sensitive nature from which it was 
never to recover. • As long as she lived, 
:Mrs. Preston could never again bring 
herself to look upon the face of the 
dead, not even her best beloved; and no 
faith, no hope, no promise, was able to 
banish from her life the haunting, name- 
less dread of its inevitable end. 

There are found only a few letters 
belonging to this period of Margaret 
Junkin's life, most of them written to 
the friend of her childhood. Professor 
]McCay,-then living at Athens, Ga. They 
are old-fashioned sheets, folded so as to 
be mailed without envelopes (which were 
not known then), and marked "25 cents" 
for postage. One is inclined to regret 
the large part rhyme and sentiment play 
in these letters. The poet's philosophies 
were later on put into so much better 
verse that one would gladly exchange 
three pages of this dainty rhyme for half 
a page of facts about her life at that 
time. But we must remember, on the 
other hand, that it was for the poetical 
value they were kept. These graceful, 
unextraordinary verses served as an an- 
tisejjtic, preserving for us pages which 
would otherwise have gone the way of 
the whole century's epistles. 

The first of 'these letters is dated 
"Mount Lafayette, Easton, Nov. L3, 
1840," and is "entirely in rhyme, being 
an e])ithalamium, written to Mr. McCay 

247 



immediately after his marriage. There 
are several pages of wedding- song, and 
then comes this bit of retrospection, 
which I am allowed to quote, with a 
smile at the word "remember" from a 
girl of twenty: 
"I well remember all your care (would I 

had prized it more) ; 
To open to my wayward mind the gems 

of Roman lore; 
When with you I o'ertraced the paths 

the pious Trojan roved. 
And sighed to think how fruitlessly the 

Tj rian Dido loved. 
And when I read the story now, beside 

me still you seem, 
And childhood's thoughts float o'er my 

heart, as mist floats o'er a stream." 

Commonplace enough these lines are, 
but interesting to Margaret Junkin's 
biographer, as being the first word from 
herself about her childhood. Another 
verse pleases, from the evidence it gives 
of youthful happiness, in spite of its sen- 
timental and poetic tinge of melancholy. 
"Why do the birds seem now to pour 

less thrilling strains along. 
Than when our childish hearts were wont 

to echo to their song? 
Ah, Memory hath a wizard power her 

halo light to cast. 
On all the cherished images that throng 

the peopled past! 
E'en when the pall of grief is thrown 

across our early years. 
When Memory gazes back 'tis through 

the rainbow of her tears! 
But these are musings strange for one 

whose brow hath felt no care; 
For sorrow's finger leaveth not a trace 

of anguish there. 
Thanks to the higher Power above! My 

path as yet discloses 
Few lurking thorns concealed amid life's 

many scattered roses!" 

This artless and care-free sentimen- 
tality is very becoming in "Sweet-and- 
twenty," while the perfect rhythm and 
spirited fancy give — even this early — 
promise of the poet's riper powers. But 
in our ignorance concerning the details 
of her girlhood, we can but sigh over the 
])Ostscript, wliich confesses there is much 
to say that had to be left out, 
"Not that I had not room or time. 
But just because they would not rhyme." 

The next letter from Easton which Mr. 
McCay kept was also treasured, doubt- 
less because of verses which the young 
poet had written on the last page for her 
friend's wife, then sorrowing over the 
death of a child. W^e catch in the first 
pages a glimpse of Margaret's life in 
Easton : 

November 14, 1845. 

* * * Just now we, that is the la- 
dies of Easton, are very busily engaged 



in preparing for a Bazaar, offer the model 
of the recent one held by the Philadel- 
phia ladies. Its object is to liquidate a 
debt which remains upon the college, and 
if its results are at all commensurate 
with the zeal and energy displayed by 
our ladies, we will realize something 
handsome. It is to be held during Christ- 
mas week, and the afl'air is to be termin- 
ated by a tea-party, to which all the 
town people are to be invited. So you 
see that at present I have employment 
foi' all my faculties. 

The following poetical appeal for aid 
in the Bazaar is from another of Eas- 
ton's poets, Mrs. Jane Lewars Gray, and 
appeared in the Presbyterian at the 
time: 

The Ladies' Fair. 
The ladles of Easton, and many there are. 
Whom even the beaux of your city think fair, 
If we judge by their conduct, when silly they 

come 
And lure our sweet maidens from kindred and 

home — • 
Well, sir, these fair ladles resolve and agree 
To write you a letter, and for scribe they cliose 

me; 
Unworthy I own, and unable am I 
To act as their proxy on mission so high — 
Kut without further preface, my task I essay. 
Though not as I would, I will write as I may. 
You ask on what subject? Dear sir, you must 

know 
We thought of a plan, about three months ago 
To promote the advancement of science and 

knowledge; 
To aid and uphold and give strength to our col- 
lege. 
Whose shoulders now bend 'neath the burden of 

care 
Too great for the strength of a stripling to bear. 
What a pity It is that a youngster, who yet 
Has scarce entered his teens, sliould be loaded 

with debt! 
Had it been his own doing, he ne'er had our 

pity, 
Nor would we now trouble his friends In the 

city; 
But it was his young brother, a promising youth* 
That has caused this distress, sir, and that is 

the truth — 
Well, now for our plan, as our ladies were sad. 
To see how It stunted the growth of the lad. 
Who was always a pet with our fair ones in 

town 
Since the very first day that he set himself 

down. 
On the hill Just above us where evening and 

morning. 
We see him, his place and his calling adorning; 
His conduct so studious surpassing his years 
To the aged and youthful his conduct endears — 
You, who Wnow him yourself, sir, his habits and 

sti'.tion. 
May judire if my praises are exaggeration — 
Unt pardon my wanilering — To get up a fair** 
We have made many things that are handsome 

and rare, 
Tho' I say we have made, yet I own tliat my 

doing 
Would not do mucli to rescue our favorite from 

ruin; 
But as drones ever buzz round the honey bees' 

home. 
Sipping sweets others toll for, then carelessly 

roam. 
Re we have among us some vagabond elves. 
Who'd rather nee any one work but themselves. 
Yet such are employed in their proper vocation 
And that to the theme of my song brings me 

back 
Though again I have wandered away from the 

track. 



248 



I wish you would come up some evening and see 
How happy, and jocund, and active are we; 
Some taxing their wits for an article neat. 
Which others with fingers and genius complete — 
Some knit the bead purse, which, in brilliant 

display, 
Might rival the dew-drops and brighten the 

spray, 
Though I'm free to confess that the metal is 

thrown 
To grace and embellish the outside alone! 
Some brolder the slipper in scarlet aud gold- 
Some weave the soft neck-tie to keep out the 

cold — 
While others, with Industry, worthy and proper, 
For gentlemen make the gay calico wrapper. 
And here Is displayed, too, so faithful a scene*** 
So true to the life, that old winter, I ween. 
Might deem it the work of his own wither'd 

hand, 
Though hy one of the fairest young maids of our 

hind! 
So now the old fellow ma.v come and may go, 
We're (juite independent of him for our snow. 
Tliere's a head of a Beatrice, lovely and sweet, 
Wliere firmness and gentleness mingle and meet; 
The blue eye's sweet languish, the brow soft 

and fair 
And the bright sunny curls of that long glossy 

hair 
To nature so true that you long to entwine 
With your fingers, the ringlets that flowingly 

shine — 
Ah! .Why should we grieve that old Guido has 

gone, 
A light, that though brilliant, far, far from us 

slione. 
While we have a fair, rising orb of our own! 
Again I've digressed from tlie aim of my story — 
But now. sir. I'll lay it out plainly before ye — 
I'm deputed to ask. what perhaps you can spare. 
Some Books! Have you any? to sell at our Fair! 
A man like yourself, sir, whose name has gone 

forth. 
Througli the length of our country, for talents 

and worth, 
Wliose word is a law, and whose fiat Is fate, 
Wlicn tlie author comes trembling and knocks at 

your gate. 
With wishes most kind, and so forth, and so 

forth. 
And compliments due to your learning and worth. 
He leaves you a handsome bound copy with 

pleasure. 
And begs you to glance at It, just at your 

leisure 
In your columns, perhaps, speak a kind word or 

two 
Sliould you deem his work worthy a notice from 

you. 
As this kind of thing comes again and again. 
Your .shelves must be burden'd****the matter 

is plain 
Now. sir, as we value your talents aud learning. 
Your kindness, your goodness, your tact and 

discerning 
We know tliat we only need ask to receive. 
So our cause in your hands we with confidence 

leave. 
And duly we'll prize as a present from you, 
Tliose books at our Fair, be they many or few, 
Tliere are others, your friends, sir, whose names 

we could name, 
Wliose praises are loud in the trumpet of fame, 
.\h! would we with them an aeciuaintance could 

claim — 
There's Chandler, who comes just at evening 

you see 
And ever give relish and zest to our tea***** 
And Graham and Godey. one gentlemen's ware. 
The otlier a festival finds for tlie fair; 
Names ever dear to the. good and tlie wise. 
For virtue and learning both merit the prize. 
Then tliere's tlie American — he of the North, 
So famous for talents, and learning, and worth — 
The Sentinel too, that honest old fellow, 
I.Ike wine that with age grows more spicy and 

mellow. 
The Ledger, the Times, and the Sun that unite 
To shed o'er our country a lialo of liglit^ 
Ah! if we but knew them, sir as we know you. 



We would write. Just to each other. How do 

you do? 
We would beg them to open their stores and 

their heart. 
And out of their plenty, just send us a part! 
Now if any unnamed in our city should feel 
An interest deep in our woe or our weal, 
.Vnd send us a present, we will not refuse. 
For though books we have named, we presume 

not to choose. 
'TIs kinder and pleasanter too, we believe. 
Nay, we know it is better to give than receive; 
For we tested its truth, sir, by sending you down 
A box. when a fair you got up in your town; 

And now the sweet privileges we would afford, 
And the blessings, we tasted, to you would ac- 
cord! 
But we must say good bye — may the coming 

year bring 
A .burden of blessings and peace on its wing — 
And may Christmas time bring to your bosom 

and boiird 
The very best gifts that our land can afford. 
With an appetite keen for the good things you 

feast on. 
Are the wishes and hopes of the Ladies of Eas- 
ton! 

On behalf of the Committee of Ladies. 

J. L. G. 

Easton. Pa.. December 8, 1845. 

*The present effort is on behalf of the build- 
ing in which the academical department is 
taught. (Old West College.) 

**To be holden on Christmas Eve. 

***A painting of Winter Scenery, by a young 
lady. 

****The ladies suppose that editors have a 
great many pretty books, while tliey know that 
tliey are the patrons of every enterprise for the 
diffusion of knowderge. 

*****The "United States Gazette," ever wel- 
come as it is intellectual, arrives here now late 
in the afternoon. 

******The ladies of Easton sent a box to the 
fair recently held on behalf of the Academy of 
Fine Arts, Philadelphia. 

December 24, 1845. 

This "Bazaar" was not without a sad 
and far reaching effect on Margaret 
Junkin's life, as we gather from men- 
tion made by a member of her family. 
Speaking of the breaking down of Mar- 
garet's eyesight, her sister says: "She 
did her share of the family sewing — no 
machines in those days — read every- 
thing she could lay her hands on, stud- 
ied, practiced music (she never became a 
good musician) ; did a good deal of pen- 
cil-drawing and water-color painting; — 
rising often at five o'clock, and studying 
until after midnight. All. this laid the 
foundation for that suffering with her 
eyes which handicapped the later years 
of her life. When she was about 25 
she had a severe attack of rheumatic 
fever, which continued for some months. 
Before she was sufficiently recovered 
from this, she b?came interested in a 
Bazaar, which was held in Easton for 
Lafayette College, and did for it some 
fine painting, which causod the first ab- 
solute breakdown with her eyes, and 
from which they never really recover- 
ed." (This ])icture, a copy in sepia of 
the pathetic head of Beatrice Cenci, was 
afterwards recovered by the family, and 
now hangs on her son's wall). 

To a less resolute character, the per- 



249 



sistent infirmity of eyesight, which was 
henceforth to hamper the student to the 
end of life, would have proved a moun- 
tain of difficulty, but Margaret Junkin 
refused to be daunted. Ah, that old cov- 
enanting blood was "game!" 

This handful of old letters (from 
which a few more extracts will be 
given) and the dates written on certain 
stories and poems show that during 
those years Margaret was an eager 
reader, with her own or borrowed eyes; 
a busy writer of poems, stories, and let- 
ters, with her own or the round, childish 
writing of a little amanuensis; and that 
she had already appeared in print as a 
paid contributor. 

The late Eev. Dr. Thomas C. Porter, 
of Easton, confirms this statement. He 
writes : 

"I am sorry to say that I can give you 
no recollections of Mrs. Preston as a 
little girl; our acquaintance only began 
when, in the autumn of 1836, I entered 
Lafayette College as a 14-year-old 
Freshman. She was two years my sen- 
ior. A taste for literary piirsuits soon 
drew us together, and a warm friendship 
sprang up, which continued unbroken 
imtil the day of her death. Her re- 
markable poetical talent had even then 
won the admiration of her associates, 
and to have been admitted into the 
charmed circle of which she was the cen- 
tre, where literature and literary work 
were discussed, admired, and appreciat- 
ed, I have ever counted a high privilege. 
Two incidents, out of many which might 
be given, will serve to illustrate how 
her presence and exami)le wrought. 

One happened during a visit in com- 
pany with a classmate Dr. J. M. Lowrie. 
Miss Margaret, who had just been read- 
ing Stevenson's "Travels in Greece," 
called our attention to this passage in 
the book: "A young Sciote, who had re- 
turned to his native isle for the first 
time after the Turkish invasion, in 1822, 
entered his father's gateway, and foimd 
the dwelling of his cliildhood a desolate 
ruin. He wandered to the garden, and 
strayed through its orange and lemon 
groves in silence, until passing a large 
vase in which a beautiful ])lant was 
wildly growing, he murmured indistinct- 
ly, 'Le meme vase!'" She then proposed 
that each of us should fashion inde- 
jiendently a poem which would inter- 
jiret the cause and meaning of that sad 
exclamation. The three poems were 
written and critically compared." 

The otiier incident shaped itself thus: 

"Seated one evening on the porch," 
the doctor wrote, "our talk began to 
flow in the usual cliannel. After a 
while, her sister Eleanor, (afterwards 
the wife of "Major (ienoral 'Stonewall' 



Jackson, of the Confederate Army), 
whose liking for poetry was not so in- 
tense, put in a remonstrance with a 
'toujovu's perdrix,' and said, in a vein 
of raillery, that she believed it utterly 
impossible for us twain to be together 
ten minutes without discoursing about 
the riders of Pegasus. We repelled the 
accusation. She then replied, 'which- 
ever of you, when we meet here again, 
is the first to introduce into our conver- 
sation anything of the kind, he or she 
must pay a forfeit, and that forfeit 
shall be fifty lines of verse on some very 
hard subject.' We agreed to the terms. 
It was asked 'What shall the subject 
be?' Many topics having been named 
and rejected, she chanced to look over 
into a neighboring field, and saw there 
a patch of cabbages, and cried in a gaj' 
tone, 'Now I have it — fifty lines on a 
head of cabbage! Let that be the pen- 
alty.' Of course, at our next meeting 
an ambiguous word or phrase supplied 
a sufficient pretext for my condemna- 
tion. There was no escape. I had to 
do it. The production is printed below 
just as it was written, and that, not on 
account of any special literary merit, 
but for two reasons — first, to gratify an 
old college friend of the same period, 
who wislies a copy, and second, to show 
what a college youth of seventeen may 
be constrained to do under pressure." 

Lines On a Head of Cabbage. 
Let frog-devouring France and beef-fed 

Bull 
Distain thee. Cabbage, when their 

mouths are full; 
Let lazy Neapolitan discard, 
Who eats his macaroni by the yard, 
And Chinese gourmand think that 

dish the best 
Which savors of the swallow's gluey 

nest, 
Or, brought from distant ocean-isles, 

prefer 
The relish of the costly biche-de-mer ; 
Let Abyssinian cut the quivering flesh 
From flic live heifer and devour it 

fresh. 
While Alpine monk esteems the slimy 

snail 
Above the juice of croccoli or kale; 
Let Paddy whistle at the very thought 
Of new paratces boiling in the pot. 
And Yankee tell, with rapture in his 

eye. 
The varied virtues of the pumpkin pie — 
But, as for me, sprung of Teutonic 

blood, 
Give me the cabbage as the choicest 

food. 
O far-famed Saner Kraut! compared 

with thee. 
All dainties rifled from the land iijid 

sea 



250 



Were heaps of trash, and viands on 

the boards 
Of prodifial Lucnllvis, or the hoards 
Of whicli renowned Apicus could boast, 
Detestably insipid — and the host 
That followed Epicurus, at the best, 
Mere common swine, unpampered and 

unblest.* 

Had but the Gods on high Olympus' 

brow 
Caught thy rich oder wafted from 

below 
Loathing as bitter their celestial 

bread, 
Thev all in haste to Germany had 

'fled. 

What gave the fierce Barbarian strength 
to wield 

His ponderous weapon on the battle- 
field, 

When from the North his brawny right 
arm hurled 

A bolt of vengeance o'er the Roman 
world ? 

Thy hidden power, O matchless Cabbage, 
thine. 

Dweller upon the Danube and the Rhine. 

Ye vain philosophers of titled worth. 

Go to this lowly denizen of earth. 

And read a lesson from his furrowed 

leaves ; 
Their words are truth; that volume 

ne'er deceives. 
Castles and monuments have passed 

away. 
Pillars and temples crumbled to decay, 
Leaving no trace behind them to pro- 
claim 
To after ages their possessors' fame, 
While on his brow imfaded yet appears 
The krinkled wisdom of six thousand 

years. 

I love thine honest countenance, old 

friend ; 
My earliest memories with thy history 

blend, 
And Hallow Eve, free to the wile and 

plot 
Of boyish cunning, cannot be forgot; 
The ringing shout, the merry laugh and 

cheer. 
Still and will ever linger in mine ear. 

May never he who slanders thy good 

name 
Have his recorded on the scroll of fame! 
May he ne'er taste thee whose proud 

looks despise. 
But Time increase thine honor as he 

flies! 

Thos. C. Porter, '40. 
"*Me pinguem et nitidum bene curata 

cute vises. 

Epicuri de grege procum." 

— Hor. Ep, 1-4; Ifl. 



There are a few letters belonging to 
Alargaret .Junkin's life at Easton, writ- 
ten to her brother George just after he 
had left home to begin life for himself. 
But they are too entirely the letters 
an absent member of a familj' likes to 
receive, to be of interest to posterity. 
They are taken up with detailed ac- 
counts of events which have lost their 
interest: this one's health; that one's 
love affair; the other's illness and death; 
a great fire and her father's skill and 
masterfulness in coping with it; sharp 
differences with college trustees; church 
meetings aTid interests; one friend's loss 
of mind; another's loss of fortune; the 
vicissitudes of her brother's experiments 
in teaching, and in practicing medicine ; 
the progress of the younger children in 
their studies. 

But through them all, three chief in- 
terests shine: religion, family affection, 
and a repressed enthusiasm for what 
Margaret must by this time have felt 
to be her special vocation, writing. 
Along with expressions of religious de- 
votion and loving interest in each mem- 
ber of her family, these letters all con- 
tain hints of poems and stories offered 
in various dii'ections; sometimes accep- 
ted, sometimes refused, but alwaj's re- 
garded by the writer herself with that 
mixture of confidence in her own powers, 
and shy distrust of the worth of her 
work to any outside public, which char- 
acterized her as long as she lived. 

It is time now to speak of the two 
years' absence of the Junkins from Eas- 
ton and their return to it. Indeed this 
episode antedates any letter that exists 
of Margaret Junkin's, except the one 
in rhyme already quoted; an uninterest- 
ing child letter; and one other from 
which we shall presently quote, writ- 
ten during that absence. 

In 1841, after giving eight years of 
toil and sacrifice to Lafayette College, 
pouring out upon its interests the deep- 
est affection of his heart, Dr. Junkin 
came to a time of great discourage- 
ment. It grew out of a case of djsci- 
jiline, in which the president upheld his 
faculty, while the trustees of the col- 
lege, men entirely dcA'oid of experience 
in such matters, took the part of the re- 
fractor}- student. 

It was like tearing out his heart to 
abandon his "lovely Lafayette," as Pres- 
ident Junkin fondly called the college of 
his own making; but he had no gift for 
comprninise, and while his most im- 
scrupulous enemy could not suspect him 
of any self-seeking or dishonesty of pur- 
pose, he did not always inspire his best 
friends with confidence in his judgment. 
Many of his opinions were ahead of his 
time, and have since been justified; but 



251 



with all his great qualities, he lacked 
that serene equipoise of temper and 
speech, necessary to a successful leader 
of men. 

At this crisis in the affairs of Lafa- 
yette College, Dr. Junkin was elected to 
the presidency of Miami University, at 
Oxford, Ohio, and with keen regret de- 
cided to resign to other hands the Eas- 
ton enterprise, so dear to his heart and 
so successful vuider his management. It 
must have been grateful to this sore 
heart to receive, on leaving Easton, an 
impromptu tribute of love from almost 
the entire population; a great crowd of 
citizens, young and old, lining the river- 
bank in a povu-ing rain, as the Junkins 
set out by boat to Philadelphia. 

Margaret Junkin continued her con- 
tributions to the Easton papers after her 
removal to Ohio and afterwards to Vir- 
ginia. 

Of those years in Ohio Mrs. Preston 
was rarely heard to speak, so far as we, 
who knew her later, can remember. The 
family made friends there, as they did 
wherever they set up their household 
goods; but Dr. Junkin had taken the 
helm of this State College in a time of 
great agitation, and from first to last he 
was buffeted by storm and stress. An- 
other man, even as honest a man as 
George Junkin, might have soothed the 
agitation and disarmed hostility; but 
the new president of Miami had no such 
gifts. Kis Calvinism, his anti-abolition 
views, and his prompt punishment of 
unworthy conduct among students ac- 
customed to lax discipline, kept several 
bands of enemies on the warpath, and 
the years he devoted to Miami were 
tempestuous times for himself and his 
family. 

Only one letter remains, bearing the 
Oxford, Ohio, postmark. It is to Mar- 
garet's favorite cousin. Miss Helen 
Dickey, of Oxford, renn. As one un- 
folds the large sheet, as large as a din- 
ner napkin, and finds four closely writ- 
ten pages, crossed in several places by 
the delicate, beautiful handwriting al- 
ready characteristic of our poet, one ex- 
pects a full chapter of life experiences at 
that time. It is, on the contrary, a 
girlish effusion, full of sentimentality, 
which, however natural at her age, the 
writer of tlie letter never intended for 
the public. 

The tone of this letter is distinctly 
buoyant, in spite of the various trials 
chronicled in it. Financial difficulties, 
disappointment in her brother's plans, 
her mother's frail health, the uncon- 
genial climate, and especially the perse- 
cution her father was undergoing — all 
these things are told in words which 
show Margaret's keen sympathy and 
share in them all. But the "vernal 



Hush" of which she wrote almost en- 
viously later in life, — 

"With all its clear auroral glory 

Enrobed her like a fairy queen. 

Within a realm of fairy story," — 

and the very breath of morning exhales 

from these yellow, faded, old pages. 

The story of her father's trials, which 
were in a few months to end by a return 
to Easton, is told in this letter, but 
need not be given here. Margaret writes 
to her girl cousin in girl fashion: "As to 
coming East this summer (though I wish 
it — oh, how much!), I might as well talk 
of a voyage to Cochin China. I give it 
up with a sigh. Ellie — dear Ellie — 'longs 
to go somewhere,' but since she cannot, 
is going to be contented at home. When 
she gets letters from her young friends, 
and they tell of parties, fine dresses, 
company, and 'loads of beaux,' she can- 
not help but wish herself where she 
might share such things. But, good hu- 
mor prevails, and she soon grows con- 
tented again." 

On another page of this letter, the 
young writer says, "We have much 
cause for gratitude. What I have said 
inay seem like complaint, but dearest it 
is not. When there is so much sorrow in 
the world. I would not dare to murmur 
if we too are called to bear a small share 
of the burden; for small are all our 
troubles, compared with many that we 
constantly hear of." 

The trials of the family at Miami 
University were almost over when this 
was written. In October, 1844, Dr. Jun- 
kin was recalled to Easton and to the 
presidency of his beloved college by a 
unanimous vote of Lafayette's trustees 
and the flattering urgency of Easton's 
citizens. His salary was now assured to 
him, and the financial responsibility of 
the college assumed by the proper au- 
thorities. 

For four successful years Dr. Junkin 
continued at the head of this college, 
which was all the while growing in num- 
bers and reputation. "'Oiu- college," ]\Iar- 
garet writes to Mr. McCay in 184.'i, "is 
in very successful operation at present. 
The number of students on the ground 
is over one himdred; the community 
.take an interest in it which they never 
so thoroughly took before, and there is 
reason to think that hereafter there will 
be smooth sailing." 

But in a few years the skies were 
again dark with clouds of hostility. 
Tliis time the trouble liegan witli ani- 
mosity in the First Presbyterian Church, 
of Easton, because of Dr. Junkin's con- 
nection with a plan for organizing a 
second and in his opinion a much-needed 
church. It did not seem to lie in this ve- 
licineiit soul to li\e peaceably with those 



252 



who opposed what he thoiiirlit right. Sev- 
eral of his trustees were officers and 
members of the old church, and their ill 
will soon involved the college in a con- 
tention with its president. 

One would hardly expect a man in the 
prime of such vigor and firmness as Dr. 
Junkin possessed to give up successful 
work on account of discouragements like 
these; but another trial was overshad- 
owing him, one from God's hand, not 
man's, and it seemed to point to a re- 
moval from Easton. This was the failing 
health of Joseph Junkin, the second son, 
who had developed signs of pulmonary 
trouble, and whose condition demanded 
a milder climate. 

The call to Washington College, Vir- 
ginia, came at this time of perplexity as 
to public duties and anxiety in the hith- 
erto happy home circle; and in spite of 
a tremendous demonstration of good 
will on the part of the students and citi- 
zens of Easton, Dr. Junkin accepted the 
presidency of Washington College [now 
Washington and Lee University], and 
with his farailv removed to Lexington, 
Va., in the fall" of 1848. 

This second farewell to Easton sharply 
divides Margaret Junkin's life, and fixes 
her earthly destiny. Henceforth her lot 
is cast with the Southern people, who 
eagerly claim her as their poet, and 
boast of her work as the product of South- 
ern talent. But Mrs. Preston herself never 
foreswore allegiance to her native State, 
even in the dark days of war, when prej- 
udice was most bitter. While her sym- 
I)athy was with the cause of her adopted 
people, and her prayer was for their suc- 
cess, she believed in the honesty and 
patriotism of the North, and bravely 
risked the friendship of those she loved, 
and upon whose good will her happiness 
depended, rather than acquiesce in the 
uni\"ersal denunciation of "the enemy," 
which prevailed both North and South. 

Since the next chapter opens a new 
era in Margaret Junkin'.s life, we may 
now ])ause, and looking back over the 
sixteen years at Easton, credit them 
with the formation of her religious 
character and the development and ex- 
l)ansion and quickening of her intellec- 
tual life. 

The influence of her family life, ele- 
valing and yet demanding self-denial 
and e\en drudgery, has already been 
shown. The association with cultivated 
and refined people is taken for gi'anted 
in a college president's family; but there 
was one element in her Easton training 
which her brother George points out as 
having perhaps a good deal to do wifh 
forming her poetic and artistic tastes. 
This was the beautiful and highly ro- 
manlic scenery of Easton. by which she 
was surrounded from chililhood. One 



who has looked upon the wooded hills, 
the fertile fields, the shining waters of 
this locality ,can readily picture the young 
dreamer and artist and poet, framed in 
the rosy dawns and glowing sunsets, the 
white wintry beauty, and smiling sum- 
mer fairness of such a landscape. 

A single poem of those days, when 
Margaret was about sixteen, may be 
given as a fair sample of the sweet 
\ersifying accomplished during her im- 
mature years. There are several vol- 
umes of such verses extant, which she 
only preserved is mementos of her 
youth, not counting them of any value 
nor giving them any place in her pub- 
lished volumes; but their inferiority to 
her later work onlj' serves to mark the 
steady advance of her powers. Even 
in these early poems, however, one finds 
unusual hiusic of rhythm and delicacy 
of fancy, qualities for which she was 
afterwards held to be conspicuous. 

During Dr. Jiuikin's residence at Lex- 
ington Margaret became the wife of 
Major J. T. L. Preston, Professor of 
Latin in the Virginia Military Institute, 
a widower with seven children, the old- 
est son twenty-two years of age and 
the j'oungest five. Major Preston was 
a typical Virginian; was educated at 
Washington College, University of Vir- 
ginia and at Yale, the best education his 
country afforded in his day and his nat- 
ural gifts were of no mean order. Her 
sister Eleanor had become the wife of 
Thomas J. Jackson, better known as the 
distinguished Confederate "Stonewall 
Jackson;" another sister Julia, married 
Professor Junius M. Fishburn, of Wash- 
ington College. During the period of the 
Civil War Major Preston served in the 
Confederate Army and General "Stone- 
wall Jackson's" career and unfortunate 
loss to the Confederacy early in the war 
are matters of history. The war jour- 
nal kept by Mrs. Preston during the try- 
ing periods of '01 to '05 serves well to 
show the trials of the women during 
the period of the war especially those 
lesiding on Southern soil. Col. Preston 
died at his home in Lexington, Va., in 
lS!)0,and the two years following his death 
INIrs. Preston spent in the home of her 
step-daughter at Lexington, Va. She 
had suflered a slight shock of paralysis 
in the first two montlis of her great be- 
reavement and she no^•er walked again 
except to take a few steps across the 
floor with crutch or cane and leaning on 
strong arm. 

In the last weeks of 1802 Mrs. Pres- 
ton made the dreaded journey to Balti- 
more with the help of tw'O sons and 
maid, and from that time until her 
death she was domesticated in the fam- 
ily of her oldest son. Dr. (leorge J. Pres- 
ton, of I'altimoro. Tier many letters 



253 



published ill the biography are of deep 
interest. Her poems have been pub- 
lished in several volumes. Her first 
poems were unquestionably written 
whilst residing at Easton and were con- 
tributed to the local press. Some of 
these, as follows, are reproduced as 
showing the trend of her mind when yet 
a young girl : 

Childhood. 

"The wiieels of lime work heavily, 

V\'e marvel day by day, 
'J'o see how from the chain of life, 

'I'hc Liliditig wears awav." 

L. E. L. 

I cannot brook the bitter thought, 

■J'hat Sunny childliood's gone 
That all its careless joyousness. 

Is now fore\er llown — 
Tliat I niust look upon the world. 

With less of thoughtless glee 
And find 'tis not the fairy land, 

That once it seemed to be! 

Oh! childhood! childhood! 
There's charm 

\Vithin the very word 
Tlsat wafts more music to my ear 

Than song of suuuner bird; — 
Far o'er the mirror memory holds 

Before my spirit's eye, 
its visions Hit like butterflies 

Across a cloudless sky ! 

How gay and winged were my thoughts, 

When life was bright and new! 
Ah ! since my heart has had to learn 

The actual — the true — 
Sweet fancy now is taught to yield 

To Reason's calmer sway. 
And fair, tho' childish things depart 

Like stars before the day! 

Would magic power were mine, to call 

\iy childhood back again! 
With all its fond imaginings. 

So cherished, yet so vain — 
With all the hopes that used to clothe, 

The far and future years 
in sunliglit. which hath since been 
dimjn'd. 

Full many a time with tears! 

-A Child, r\(' waiuh'red gathering 
shells. 

I 'poll Time's wa\e-bound shore; 
Still deeming newest ones more rare, 

Than aught I had before. 
.\iul oft fve dropp'd the lirilliant things 

liecause before me far. 
i"ve seen a something in my path. 

That glittered like a star! 

And then to seize the seeming gem. 
With eager liaste I'^e flown. 

And found t'was but the sun that lent 
Its brlL'htiu^SN to a stone! 



Then wDuid 1 mourn that I had cast 

My gather's shells away — 
And search the beach for smoothest 
ones, 

Borne thither by the spray. 

Hope's sunlight thus doth ever gild 

The things that are before, 
And e\en touch with brilliancy, 

'I'he pebbles on the shore — 
And happy he who tosses not 

.\way into the main. 
His present joys for future ones, 

That may be quench'd in pain! 



Kaston. .Tune 24th, 1840.1 



M. J. 



[Following is some of the poetry writ- 
ten by Margaret Junkin Pi-eston.] 

THE FOREST GRAVE. 

"Poor Marianne ! they made her grave 
away in the forest and covered it with 

moss." 

"Twas not in t}ie place where the sculp- 
tur'd urn. 
Is reared o'er the sleeper's head; 
"I" was not where the monument marble 
awakes 
Hemembr.ances of the dead. — ■ 

"I'wa.s not where an ancient and hollj' 
pile 
Whs pointingr its top to the sky, 
And hallowing sweetly the spot where 
the dust 
Of the lov'd — the departed lie. 

Ah! no — in a wild-wood, deep and dark. 
Where the oak and the pine tree 
. wave, 
And close out the light with their 
shrouding arms, 
'i'liey chose her a lowly grave. 

rnmarked is the place of her final rest, 

.Mone in that forest wide; 
Ttiey raised above it no graven stone. 

To tell how the maiden died. 

A mossy mantle of kindly green. 

O'er her sliaded couch is thrown; 
"Twas spread by those who had loved 
her well. 
.\tul who wept that tlicii- sistei- was 
gone. 

Sad niusii' and low the winds will make. 

'Mirl tlH> myriad leaves at play; 
.V requieni mournful, but very sweet, 

I<"',')i- the one who has passed away! 

We weep o'er her bodv in loneliness 
laid 
I'.ut tlie spirit \ye cherished is gone 
Where back she in pity may look on us 
here, 
.\nd sorrow that we are alone. 

Alone — in our wandering's as pilgrims 
— alone! 
Hut happy assurance is given. 
That she who has left us so lonely on 
earth, 
Sluill meet us and know us in heaven. 
I Kast:)n. .Tulv 2.'?rd. 1,S40.] M. J. 



^54 



WHERE DWELLETH THE SCENT OF 
THE ROSE ! 

Suggested by hearing a child ask "where 
the scent of the rose lived ?" 

I went to the g-arden to-night, mamma, 
To the spot where the rose-tree 
gro^vp, 
And I bent down a branch of your 
favorite bush. 
And gatlier'd a beautiful rose. 



It bore sucli a sweet perfume, mamma. 

I thought it must be its breath, 
And I liusii'd my own. while I listen'd 
to hear. 

But the rose was as still as death. 

Then I look'd at the pale pink color, 
mamma. 
And I thought it perchance dwelt 
tliere. 
But ofteii there glows on my sister's 
cheek. 
A tinge tliat is ju.=!t as fair. 



And all! troni iieartii fires lately gay 
How mournfully have passed away. 
Some cherished faces. 
But tearful eyes will look in vain 
For those sweet ones to come again. 
And fill their places. 

There, little children, sigh to miss. 
There Mother's voice — her good night 

kiss — 
And they are weeping. 
To think that earth is on her face. 
To think that in so cold a place — 
She now is sleeping. 

Earth's griefs! Thou God alone canst 

heal. 
These sorrows that thy children feel — 
To us be given — 

Hearts that can bow submissive still 
Without a murmur to the will. 
Of righteous Heaven. 

M. J. 
[Oxford. Ohio, Dec. 20, 1841.] 



I Iiad heard them tell of the fairies. 
m:imma. 
That danced when the moon was 
bright. 
And who sometimes slept in the heart 
of the rose 
To escape from the dews of the night. 

Then I tore the flower apart, mamma, 
And scattered its leaves around. 

But no little fairy with scented wings. 
Was anywhere there to be found. 

And now I have gathered another, 
mamma, 
A.s fragrant as any that grows. 
And I bring it to you that you may tell. 
Where dwelleth the scent of the 
rose? 

M. J. 
[September 7th. 1840.] 



LINES. 

^^'ritten on Reading Letters Bringing Us 
Sad News From Easton. 

Again — again the written scroll. 
Bears tidings that another soul. 
H-1S hence departed. 

That children have been orphans left. 
Or that a daughter is bereft 
•And broken-hearted. 

Earth! fCarth! tiiou art the home of 

grief. 
Our lines of life though few and brief, 
.^re full of sadness — 
One hour a smile is on the face. 
The next — and tears blot every trace. 
Of former gladness. 

We la.v our bodies down to rest. 
In .ioyfullness because our breast. 
Is free from sorrow. 
Forgetful that a cloud may come. 
And hover darkly o'er our home. 
Before the morrow. 

"^weet home! so fondly once my own, 
How many a lieart tonight is lone 
Within thy dwellings. 
How many a hand is pressing now. 
An aching head or burning brow. 
To calm their swellings. 



OBITUARY. 

Died in this place, after a short ill- 
ness, on Tuesday evening, the 20th in- 
stant, (August 1845), Mrs. Elizabeth,, 
wife of Dr. F. L. Crane, and daughter 
of the late James M. Howell, Esq. 

Love's Tribute to the Departed 
Occasion ed b>- the Death of Mrs. Crane. 

"I know that she is happy 
Witli her angel-plumage on; 

But my heart is very desolate. 
To think that she is gone." 

— Park Benjamin. 

Gone — gone! there's mockery in the 
thought! 
She has not passed away, — • 
Her spirit would be loath to leave 

It.s lovely house of clay; 
Those eyes that o'er the friends she 
loved. 
Such starry radiance shed. 
Beamed bright when last 1 saw them, — - 
yet 
They tell me she is dead! 



Those chisl'd lips where beauty dwelt 

In her divinest mould 
How can I bear to hear them say 

That they are stiff and cold? 
How kind tlie words they always 
breathed! 

Ah! Death could hardly dare. 
Stern and relentless tho' he be. 

To lay his finger there! 

And yet that heart whose every pulse 

Was one of bounding joy. 
To whom life's loveliness and light 

Were bliss without alloy. 
Is stilled- — Perhaps her Father bore 

Tlie angel message sweet 
And in the excess of ecstacy. 

Her heart forgot to beat.* 

And now, while we are bathed in tears. 

And feel oppressed with gloom; 
.A.nd shrink to know that we must lay 

Her body in the tomb. — 
She kneels at the Deliverer's feet. 

Where she can do no more. 
In her full sense of blessedness. 

Than wonder and adore. 



255 



We always gazed with looks of love 

Upon her sun-bright brow; 
But never in her fairest days. 

Seemed she so dear as now; 
For oft a fear would rise, that Earth 

Might prove to her a thrall, 
And claim too much her heart — but God 

Now surely claims it all! 

She could not else, without pang. 

Have left that heart so lone. 
Whose life it was to minister 

To her, his idol one; — 
She could not have so calmly turned 

From those sweet children's eyes. 
Had she not hoped to meet them all 
Again in Paradise! 

She could not else have burst the tie 

Of most endearing power. 
That bound a Mother's soul to her, 

"The favorite and the flower;" 
She could not leave that widow'd one. 

Heart-worn and corely riven. 
Had not she felt her Father's voice 

Would hail his child in Heaven. 



It deemed it a dwelling-place lovelier 
far. 
Than the cloud with its fringes of 
light; 
And couched upon velvet, looked out 
on a star. 
With a new and exulting delight. 

'Twas the joy of a moment! — A beau- 
tiful girl. 
While straying thro' garden and 
bower. 
Paused lightly to show her companion 
the pearl 
That lay on the heart of the flower. 

" 'Tis a chalice containing an exquisite 
draught, 
Wliich, dearest, you only shall sip" — 
He said, as he gathered the rose-bud — 
she quaffed, 
And the pearl was dissolved on her 
lip! 

M. J. 
[Easton. Pa.. August 27. 184.^..] 



Yet with a shuddering sense of grief 

We bow the sorrowing head. 
To think a form so beautiful. 

Must moulder with the dead. 
The fresh blue skies with seamless fair. 

The earth, a desert track; 
She is not here to brighten them, — 

For who can call her back! 

Peace-murmuring thought! Enough is 
given. 

To know that she is blest. 
To feel assured that sinful blight 

Shall never mar her rest 
Take we this lesson to our hearts — 

That neither love can save. 
Nor youth can buy, nor beavity win 

Exemption from the grave! 

M. J. 

[Easton. May 22. 1845.] 

*Did not the spirit of her sainted 
Parent hover over her in life's last 
hour, waiting to be "her convoy up to 
Heaven?" — and have we not reason to 
believe that when her faltering lips 
murmured in dying. "Father — Father," 
"She heard a voice we could not hear. 
She saw a form we did not see!" 



THE FATE OF A RAIN-DROP. 

Its home was the breast of a, beautiful 
cloud. 
That brilliantly curtained the sky. 
And caught from the sun the full ra- 
diance that glowed. 
Within his magnificent eye. 

The rain-drop lay watching the loveli- 
ness spread. 
Beneath like a magical scene. 
Till it pined to repose on a canopied 
bed 
Of gorgeous and beautiful green. 

A zephyr careered thro' the mid-sum- 
mer air. 
And just at the eventide close, 
I..aid gently the delicate freight that 
it bare. 
In the innermost cell of a rose. 

The crimson-wrought chamber, with 
tapestry hun.g. 
Completed the wanderer's bliss; 
For round it, when fairies their censers 
had swung. 
Had floated no fragrance like this. 



THOUGHTS. 

Suggested by Powers' Proserpine, a 
beautiful work of art in the pos.session 
of H. D. Maxwell, Esq., of Easton, Penn- 
sylvania. 

BY M. J. 
Hail, western world! our own fair 

Attica! 
Already is thy brow with honors 

crowned. 
And yet they thicken round thee. Thou 

hast sons 
Who have thy glory at their inmost 

heart. 
And who in every path of light are 

found. 
Competing with the foremost; — not to 

win 
Distinctions high, wherewith to clothe 

themselves; 
But for a nobler purpose; to compel 
From half-reluctant lips the hard 

earned praise. 
And only feel it precious when 'tis laid. 
With true devotion, at their country's 

feet. 

A wanderer from the far Atlantic shore 

Becomes a dweller b.y the classic side 

Of Arno — threads the pictur'd galler- 
ies. 

And sculper'd halls and storied palaces 

Of queenly Florence — muses, studies 
long; 

Converses closely with the mighty 
Past: 

Marks Nature's loveliest developments; 

l^earns how her muscles play, and 
pulses beat; 

Discourses thus withal that is sublime. 

And lofty, and enobling. till his mind. 

Filled to overflowing, can receive no 
more. 

He seeks expression for his thronging 
tlioughts. 

And writes them oxit in marble. Day 
by day. 

Jieneatli his plastic touch, the stone re- 
ceives 

Intense life — the spirit breathes within; 

His dreams have found their richest 
utterances; 

.\iul I roserpine — impersonation bright 

Of art and beauty — dwells on earth 

again. 



256 



By stary night and in the broad, cltar 
day, 

'Mid crowded streets, and thro' his 
lonely hours. 

She still has followed, sweet and 
shadow-like, 

A breatliing' presence near him. Were 
it st ran, are — ■ 

Since he has watched those lineaments 
so long — 

If to his eye the human countenance 

Should lose its remnant o' divinity? 

That half-averted face — how passing 
fair! 

The smile that lingers round the curv- 
ing mouth. 

With mournful meaning filled; the pen- 
sive bro^v. 

So beautifully calm and passionless; 

The rounded cheek that seems as it 
would yield 

Beneath a finger's weight; the wavy 
hair 

About the imperial head; and more 
than all. 

The chasten'd. woman's look of tender- 
ness. 

Tliat pleads in every line, and longs 
to break 

The trembling silence of those breath- 
ing lips; 

What marvel if this varied loveliness 

Should captive lead the sculptor's 
heart for years! 

Ascend. successful master! farther 

still. 
The pnth that lies before thee; take the 

torch 
(Then Ceres' brighter) which by thy 

genius lights 
At its own Etna fire, to guide thee on, 
.\nd go. a spirit-traveller, o'er the 

world. 
In tireless search of faultless excel- 
lence! 
Outstrip tlie Grecian in his wondrous 

fame — 
Sliake in the grasp of Angelo the 

palm — ■ 
Receive the chisel from Canova's hand. 
.\nd catch Thorwalsden's mantle as it 

falls: 
Then to complete thy triumph, turn 

from all 
The grand magnificence of earthly 

art — 
ConfessinsT that its most transcendant 

skill 
Is less than nothing, laid beside His 

Power. 
Who fasliioned with a word a perfect 

man. 
And breathed into the clay a living 

soul! 
[Lexington. Va.. March 21. 1849.] 



THE OLD DOMINION. 

By Margaret Junkin. 

Ho! gallant old Dominion! I hail thee 

as the state. 
Of a eleven our thirty commonwealths. 

most proudly consecrates 
My pulse beats quicker as I feel by 

feet upon the sod. 
Which liurtured men of giant mind. 

which true born heroes trod; 
Where 'mid primeal forests rich in hues 

of varied green. 
The noble Raleigh planted first, the 

standard of his queen! 

When over all 'the old thirteen.' ex- 
tended Britain's sway. 

Thou ever weret the loyalest. the read- 
est to obey; 



The high. romantic chivali'y that 

marked thy gentle blood. 
Made thy forbearance virtue seem, and 

kept allegiance good; 
But when thy nature once was routed, 

tliy most heroic soul. 
Spurned in its consciousness of might, 

oppression's stern control. 

With generous heart thou didst obey 

thy country's rallying call, 
And pledge thyself for her dear sake, 

to sacrifice thine all. 
Tho' others laid with zeal as true, their 

offerings on the shrine. 
No gift was found so consecrate — so 

ricli — so pure, as thine — 
With Spartan matron's hope and price, 

thou brought'st thy noblest son. 
And gavest to freedom's righteous 

cause, thy glorious Washington! 

Virginia! brave Virginia! a happy 
mother thou! 

Whose children's fame will ever shed, 
a splendor round thy brow; — ■ 

The thrilling words of eloquence, that 
Henry's fervor fiung. — 

The simple majesty of thought that 
flowed from Marshall's tongue — 

The force and skill political which Jef- 
ferson could show. 

The statesmanship of Madison — the 
wisdom of Monroe; 

The biting sting of Randolph's wit, the 
matchless grace of Wirt, — 

N Alexander's zeal that leaves, no en- 
ergy inert. — ■ 

The saint-like piety of Rice-M'Dowell's 
wealth of thought, — • 

The pure and classic mind of Rives, 
with lore so varied fraught; — 

Oh! where from Maine to Florida, from 
east to western bound. 

Can such a shining Galaxy, of brilliant 
names be found! 

And Nature too lias dowered thee, the 
favorite of the band, 

And scattered beauties everywhere, 
with most unsparing hand. 

The azure mountain tops are seen, 
wliere'er I turn my eye. 

And stretched between in loveliness, 
the shadowy vallies lie; 

In Alpine grandeur Otter's Peaks up- 
rear their lofty forms. 

And stand serenely looking down on 
summer's passing storms. 

Afar among thy sloping hills, clear 

springs are bubbling bright, 
Egeria's fountain leap'd not up as 

freshly to the sight. 
Here health, the rosy-lipped and free 

with blue and laughing eye, 
Is often wooed and won besJ-.fe, the 

rills that murmur by; 
She hath a loving for the woods and 

for the rambling wild. 
That give to her the buoyancy of a 

delightful child. 

And wonders too are here — an arch 

So rich in bye-gone memories — grandly. 

Unsworn by wearing centuries, — com- 
mensurate with time, — 

A structure most signiflcent, — a vast 
stupendous span. 

That years itself as if to mock the 
aims of puny men; 

One only such in all the world — and 
that upon thy sod. 

Thou favor'd land — one only bridge, 
whose architect was God! 



257 



It is not strangf that those who hrsl 

draw breath within a state 

proportionate sublime, 

nobly great, — 
Should sometimes boast, and manifest 

an overwhelming pride. 
As if their birth-right lifted them o'er 

e\ ery stute beside; 
A pardonable weakness — yet, we judgp 

of men alone, 
Not by their fathers' noble deeds and 

words, but by their own. 

But now from all these glowing 
scenes, my thoughts return again. 

With filial reverence to thee, dear syl- 
van land of Penn! 

Thou too cans't boast a thousand 
charms that make thy vallies 
bright 

O'er which affection sweetly pours a 
flood of golden light. 

Thy shaded homes lie lovingly by 
many a sparkling stream, 

Thy rivers. mountains. fields and 
groves, how beautiful they seem. 

Beside Virginia's would I place thy 
.iustl.y honored name. 

And claim equally for thee upon the 
scroll of fame. 

But while with admiration deep. I 
humbly dedicate 

A heart of zealous loyalty to my adopt- 
ed state — 

Yet true to all my earliest love. I still 
will turn again. 

With fondlier feelings far to you. oh! 
sylvan shades of Penn! 
[Lexington, Virginia, Sept. 26, 1849.1 



Had 1 sojLhtd lliy vveaiy hours 
With tile ministries of love. 

Listened to thy child-like longing 
For thy Father's house above — 

Had I heard thy word at parting. 

Had my cheek to thine been prest — 
Had I followed thy dear body 

To its place of final rest — 
Then a fuller consolation 

Would lia\'e mingled witli my tears. 
And tliese mem'ries. sad and sacred. 

Been the treasure of my years. 

But afar from home and kindred. 

Thou wert doomed to fade away; 
One lone mourner only bending 

O'er thy pale, deserted clay; 
None besides, who loved thee, saw thee. 

Laid where Southern forests wave; 
None are privileged to linger 

Round thy solitary grave! 

Yet beneath this grief oppressive. 

Like a fount of joy so deep. 
While I drink its precious ■waters. 

I am wondering why I weep. 
()! it was a sweet translation. 

Thus to close thy weary eyes. 
And. without a sense of dying. 

Wake, an angel in tlie skies! 

Dare I then, in vain regrettings. 

Give one selfish murmur room. 
Even though T see tliee taken 

In thy manhood's loveliest bloom? 
No!— a hymn of high thanksgiving. 

Rather let my spirit pour; 
Gratitude absorb my sorrow — 

Tliou art saved! — I ask no more! 

[Oct. 10, 1849.] 



THE SOLACED GRIEF. 

By Margaret Junkin. 

I am yearning for thy presence 

As the star\ing yearn for bread; 
And I cannot still the craving. 

With the thought that — thou art 
dead! 
Dead! my spirit's utmost effort 

Strives to grasp the trutli in vain. 
Only dimly compi'ehending 

Thou can'st ne'er return again. 

Spring, with countless beauties laden. 

Bird, and flower, and leafy boua-h. 
Genial air and pleasant sunshine 

All are here — but where art thou? 
Can tlie softer skies that wooed thee. 

Not our wanderer restore? 
Must we never watch and wait thee — 

Never gi'eet thy coming more? 

Ah! I only mock my sorrow — 

Only tantalize my grief. 
Vainly thinking thus to offer 

To m.v pining heart relief; 
Let the orooze unheeded pass me 

I>et the sun unprized shine on; 
What to me is now the fresh nes.^i — ■ 

What the brierhtness — thou art gone' 

I can e\-en hear to miss tliee 

'Mid the garnisliness of da.v. 
Wlien, like mists of morning, feelings 

Sad and tender melt away. 
But wlien twilight summons round me 

Sweet, old memories again. 
Oh! with wliat intenser anguish 

Does my spirit mourn then! 

Had I only watched beside thee — • 
Cooled tliy lip. and fanned thy brow — - 

Seen with wliat seri'ue submission. 
Thou were gcntl\- taught tf) V)ow: 



GALILEO BEFORE THE INQUISITION 

Wliy wrapped he not a martyi-'s robe. 

Around his lofty form? 
Why bore he not with dauntless brow 

The bursting of the storm? 
Why cringed the mind that proudly 
scared 

Where otliers gazed dismayed, 
V\'ith servile will before the power 

Whose .grasp was on liim laid? 

Tliey tell us it was fear that bowed 

His miglit.v spirit, wlien 
He stooped l:)eneath tlie rusty links 

Of superstition's chain 
— The dungeon cell was dark. — and 
light 

Was pleasant to his eye. 
And. hob' tho" tlie trutli. for it 

He did not dare to die. 

I<"ear! what had he to do with fear, 

Who ventured out abroad. 
I'n-piloted. thro' pathless space. 

I5y angels only trod; 
Who wondon-d with unfailing light. 

Creation's vastness o'er. 
And brought to liglit an infinite. 

So unconceived before. 

W'lu'ii gazing on tlnose worlds which 
first 

He was allowed to scan. ^ 
How pun.v would appear the aims 

.\nd littleness of man! 
.A.ii(l proud his inward e >nseiousness 

That lie had dared to be 
.V sharer in the mysteries 

Of God's Immensity. 

When back to earth he turned again. — 
Such lirilliant vissions past 

How most contemptible would seem 
The tranmii'Is i-ound him cast! 



•58 



And \-t-l his lofty character 

Submitted to the stain; 
And lulling: i.ernorance entwined 

Her weak, Delilah chain. 

Strang-e that the ray which beamed for 
him 

With such intense delight. 
Should for a sing-le moment lose 

Its glory in his sight; — • 
Strange that the ye whose strength 
could pierce 

From world to world afar. 
Should suffer fear to cloud the blaze 

Of Truth's diviner star; 

[December 19. 1849.] 



THE POLISH BOY. 

By Margaret Junkin. 
Suggested by an incident related in Ste- 
phen's Travels in Greece, Turkey, Po- 
land, &c. 

"And wouldst thou leave thy mother. 

boy. forsaken and alone, 
\Vith none to shed a solace o'er her 

grief if thou wert gone? 
Thy gallant brother leaves my side, to 

face the haughty foe. 
But thou my youngest, dearest one — I 

cannot let thee go!" 

"Not to revenge my country's wrongs — 
m.v noble father's blood! 

Not go to shield the holv cause of lib- 
erty it God! 

Whei'e is the patriotic flre, that 
warmed and nerved thy heart. 

^^■hen with a flashing eye thou bad'st 
husband and friends depart? 

"l had not read my mother thus — I 

thought her lofty brow 
Had scorned to bend its nobleness to 

siich as ask it now — 
I thought that all her woman's soul 

witli Spartan pride would swell. 
In yielding to her fatherland those 

whom she loves so well! 

"And can thy bleeding country's life 

Of less beloved by thee 
Than mine, which is a vvrorthless thing 

if Poland is not free? 
No! thou wouldst rather lay thee down 

upon my father's sod. 
Than live to see thy native soil by 

tvrant conquerers trod." 

"B >y. tliou hast scanned my heart 
aright — my life's best gift I gave. 

Becaust I would not. could not see a 
l^olander a slave; 

And now w^hen comes the call again, to 
arm against the foe, 

I yield thy brother up — but thee — I can- 
not let thee go!" 

The boy beside liis brother stood, with 

fire in every vein. 
And saw him plume his brow and give 

his pernacing steed the rein; 
And whfn the swords and serried spears 

flashed in the morning air. 
His spirit burned with eagerness to be 

tlie foremost there. 

With martial pomp and pride they 

passed, to meet the dread array. 
Whose might.v phalanxes before their 

ranks would melt a'way; 
And when the deaf'ning boom arose 

amid the trumpet's swell, 
Tlie listening mother seemed to hear 

Iier darling's dying knell. 



Tis o'er — the "Forest of the Dead" is 

strewn with heaps of slain, 
And Warsaw's saddened street resound 

the charger's tramp again, 
The broken bands come wearied back 

with plumes and pennons torn; 
Oh! mournful sights their eyes have 

seen since shone the sun at morn». 

The mother's eagle eye hath found her 

young and noble boy 
She clasps him, and her agony dissolves 

itself in joy; 
She clasps him — joy which, meteor-like, 

gleamed o'er her spirit's sky, 
I, eaves hut a darker grief — he falls into 

her arms — to die!' 

Proudly he fell! His spring-like heart 
did its first fragrance bring. 

And laid on Freedom's sacred shrine 
the holy offering; 

And victory's shout was on his lip, and 
triumph on his tongue. 

As his exulting spirit passed, in patri- 
otic song! 

Now Poland's homes are desolate — her 
ancient glories fled — 

And Freedom's altar broken lies be- 
neath the despot's tread; 

But the harsh Russ will strive to 
iiuench that altar's spark in vain, 

And from the smouldering ashes yet. 
'twill brightly gleam again! 
[January 30. 18.50.] 



JANE LEWERS GRAY. 

Jane Lewers Gray was the daughter of 
William Lewers, of Castle Blaney, Ire- 
land, where she was born August 2, 1796. 
Her brother, Rev. James Lewers, was 
for many years pastor of the Musconet- 
cong Valley Church, near New Hamp- 
ton, N. J. "(circa 1839-1855) and after- 
wards until his death about 1867, at 
Catasauqua, Pa. She was educated at 
the celebrated Moravian Seminary of 
Grace Hill near Belfast and at an early 
age was married to the Rev. John Gray, 
D. D., of County Monaghan, Ireland. In 
1820 she embarked with her husband for 
America and after a stormy passage for 
more than six months during which she 
suffered many great perils, landed on 
the Island of Bermuda from which she 
subsequently sailed for the British Pro- 
vince of New Brunswick. After a resi- 
dence there of eighteen months they re- 
moved to the city of New York. In Sep- 
tember, 1822, her husband was called 
to the pastorate of the First Presbyter- 
ian Church of Easton, Pa., which import- 
ant position he continued to occupy for 
forty-five years, his death occurring on 
the 12th day of January, 1868. Four 
years later, on the 18th of November, 
1871, Mrs. Gray at the ripe old age of 
seventy-five years calmly fell asleep in 
Jesus. They are both buried in the old 
First Chinch churchyard. 

A cherished volume in my library is 
entitled "American Female Poets," pub- 
lished in 1848; in it are contained bio- 
graphical sketches and selected poems of 



259 



Mrs. Gray.. Margaret Juiikin and Mis. 
Elizabeth Swift — three of Easton's poets. 

Mrs. Gray is known as a truthful and 
pleasing writer and has gained an hono- 
rable distinction among the female poets 
of this country. One of her effusions has 
been pul)lished in an Engli.sh periodical 
as exliibiting a favorable specimen of 
American Poetry; and others, without 
her knowledge, have been translated and 
published in other countries. 

Her poetry is not studied — not la- 
bored — it is the poetry of feeling. It is 
a faithful exhibition of her own charac- 
ter. She has a delicate conception of the 
beautiful — a vivid imagination — great 
veneration — much sympathy and affec- 
tion — and a warmth of expression char- 
acteristic of her own tongue. 

Most of her poetry is of a religious 
character the result of her great venera- 
tion. Her sympathy and affection lead 
iier to write — furnish the subject and 
location of her poems — and to some de- 
gree control her imagination. Religion 
— Native Country — Warm Friends, 
Beauty, &c., are most prominent 
thoughts. Her language is pure and Avell 
chosen, but in all her pieces there is a 
language of feeling peculiar to herself. 

The lines written in the album of Miss 
Fanny B., beneath a crayon sketch of 
her deceased mother, which are herein 
reproduced, were not intended for the 
public. In them, there is much imagina- 
tion, religion, veneration and affection, 
the the most pi'ominent feelings. Love, 
sympathy, beauty, fill up the piece. 
There is natural poetry, and it exhibits 
the principal characteristics of the com- 
position of this beautiful poetess. 

Mrs. Gray's effusions are all of a seri- 
ous cast. Her "Sabbath Reminiscences" 
is a vivid and tr\ithfui picture of per- 
sons and places embalmed in her effec- 
tionate memory. It has been published 
in an English periodical, as presenting a 
favourable specimen of American poet- 
ry. In speaking of these a writer says: 
"We will not trust ourselves to speak 
the fervent praises its heart-melting 
simplicity awakes; but to us it is far 
more useful than the most learned and 
eloquent sermon could be upon the 
fourth comniandinent. "IMorn" was pub- 
lished without the writer's knowledge in 
England, where it was so highly appre- 
ciated as to be translated into other lan- 
guages. James Montgomery, of Shef- 
field, says, in a letter to Dr. Gray, "The 
critics who have mistaken the beautiful 
stanzas, 'Morn,' for mine, have done me 
honor; but I willingly forego the claim, 
and am happy to recognize a sister-poet 
in the writer." As a writer of strictly 
religious poetry, Mrs. Gray is. in our 
estimation, almost unrivalled. 



HYMN. 

To be sung at the anniversary meet- 
ing of the Brainard Evangelical Society 
of Lafaj'ette College on the evening of 
the 1st inst. 
Come thou. God of Israel come. 

Bow thy Heav'ns and meet us here; 
Make tliis place a chosen home. 

Where thy glory shall appear 
May thy choicest dews distil 

On this mount, to science giv'n; 
May its brow, like Zion's hill. 

Catch the brig-htest beams of Heav'n! 

Not on Zion's height alone. 

Ndw thy worshiper may dwell; — - 
From all lands beneath the sun 

Pray'r may rise and praises swell. 
In this Hall, whose doors we now 

For thy worship tirst unfold 
Oft the suppliant throng shall bow — 

Oft thy praises shall be told! 

Science here shall learn to warm 

With demotion's holier flame; 
.\nd Religion's lovely form 

Meekly wear the wreath of fame. 
Hence may Zion's soldiers go 

Conq'ring thro' their Saviour's 
bl -)od — 
Hence may fresh'ning rivers flow 

To glad the city of our God. 

Come then. God of Israel, come. 

Bow thy Heav'ns and meet us here; 

Make this plnce thy chosen home. 
Oft in pardoning love draw near — 

Come! and from this happy liour. 
Here thy beauty still unfold — 

Come, display thy glorious power. 

Still as years on vears are roll'd. 

[Easton, Pa.. April 1. 1834.1 



SABBATH REMINISCENCES. 

I remember. I remember, when Sabbath 

morning rose. 
We chang'd for garments neat and 

clean, our soiled and week-day 

clothes: 
And yet no gaude nor finery, nor broach 

nor Jewel rare. 
But hands and faces polished bright, 

and smoothly parted hair, 
'Twas not the decking of the head, my 

father used to say. 
But careful clothing of the heart, that 

graced that holy day — 
'Twas not the bonnet nor the dress; — 

and I believed it true; — 
But tliese were simple times, and I was 

simple too. 

I remember, I remember, the parlor 

where we met; 
Its v>apered wall, its polished floor, and 

maiiile black as jet; — 
'Twas there we raised our morning 

hymn, melodious, sweet and clear. 

.\nd .ioined in prayer witli tliat loved 

' voice, which we no more may 

hear 
Our morning sacrifice thus made, then 

to llie lio\ise of God. 
How solemnly. & silently. & cheerfully 

we trod! 
I see e'en now its low thatched roof, its 

floor of trodden clay. 
.And our old Pastor's time-worn face. 

:md wig of silver grey. 

I reniemljer, I remember, how hushed 

and mute we were 
While he led our snirits up to God. in 

heartfelt, melting prayer; 
T■^ grace his action or his voice, no 

studied charm was lent. 



>6u 



Pure, fervent, glowing from the heart. 

so to the heart it went. 
Then came the sermon, long and quaint, 

but full of gospel truth; — 
Ah me! I was no judge of that, for I 

was then a youth. 
But I have heard my father say, and 

well my father knew. 
In it was meat for full grown men, and 

milk for children too. 

I remember. I remember, as 'twere but 

yesterday 
The Psalms in Rouse's Version sung, a 

rude but lovely lay. 
Nor yet tliough fashion's hand has 

tried, to train my wayward ear. 
Can I find aught in modern verse, so 

holy or so dear! 
And well do I remember too, our old 

Precentor's face 
As he read out and sung the line, with 

patriarchal grace: 
Thjugh rudely rustic w^as the sound, 

Pm sure that God was praised 
When David's words, to David's tune,* 

five hundred voices raised! 

I remember, I remember, the morning 

sermon done. 
And how of intermission come, we 

wandered in the sun — 
How hoary farmers sat them down, 

upon the daisy sod. 
And talked of bounteous nature's 

stores, and nature's bounteous 

God;— 
And matrons talked, as matrons will, 

of sickness and of health — 
Of birtlis and deaths, and marriages, of 

poverty and wealth; — • 
And youths and maidens stole apart, 

within the shady grove. 
And whispered 'neath its spreading 

boughs, perchance some tale of 

1 Dve ! 



But these were very simple times, and 

I was very young — 
The world has grown much older, these 

sun-bright Sabbath days — 
The world has grown much older since, 

and she has changed her ways — 
Some say that she has wiser grown, ah 

me! it may be true 
As wisdom comes by length of years, 

but so does dotage too 

Oh! happy, happy years of youth, how 

beautiful, how fair 
To memory's retrospective eye, your 

trodden pathways are! — • 
The thorns forgot, remembered still, 

the fragrance and the flowers; 
The loved companions of my youth, and 

sunny, Sabbath hours! — 
And onward, onward, onward still, suc- 
cessive Sabbaths come 
As guides to lead us on the road, to our 

eternal home. 
Or like the visioned ladder on,ce, to 

slumbering Jacob given. 
From heaven descending to the earth. 

lead back from earth to heaven! 
Easton, Pa. J. L. G. 

*St David's was -one of the few tunes 
used by the congregation to which I 
have allusion. 

[October 2, 1839.] 



MORN. 

, By Mrs. J. L. Graj', Easton, Pa. 

Morn is the time to w^ake — 

"^I'he eyelids to unclose — 
Spring from the arms of sleep, and 
break 

"I'he fetters of repose; 
Walk at the dewy dawn abroad. 
And hold sweet fellowship with God. 



I remember. I remember, how^ to the 

churchyard lone, , 

I've stolen away and sat me down, be- 
side the rude grave stone. 
Or read the names of those who slept. 

beneath the clay-cold clod. 
And tliought of spirits glittering 

bright, before the throne of 

God! 
Or where the little rivulet, danced 

sportively and briglit. 
Receiving on its limpid breast, the 

sun's meridian light 
I've wandered forth, and thought if 

hearts were pure like this sweet 

stream. 
How fair to heaven they might reflect, 

heaven's uncreated beam! 

r remember. I remember, the second 

sermon o'er. 
We turned our faces once again, to our 

paternal door; 
.•Vnd round the well-filled, ample board. 

sat no reluctant guest. 
For exercise gave appetite, and loved 

ones shared the feast! 
Then ere the sunset hour arrived, as 

we were wont to do. 
The Catechism's well-conned page, we 

sa'd it through and througli; — 
And childhood's faltering tongue was 

heard, to lisp the holy word. 
.-\nd older voices read aloud, the mes- 
sage of the Lord. 

Away back in those days of yore, per- 
haps the fault was mine. 

I used to think tlie sabbatli-day, dear 
Lord was wholl.v thine. 

When it behoved to keep the heart and 
bridle fast the tongue 



Morn is the time to pray 

How lonely and how sweet 

To send our earliest thoughts away, 
Up to the mercy seat! 

Ambassadors for us to claim. 

A blessing in our Master's name. 

Morn is the time to sing, 
How charming 'tis to hear. 

The mingling notes of nature ring. 
In the delightful ear. 

And with that swelling anthem raise 

The soul's fresh matin song of praise. 

Morn is the time to sow 

The seeds of lieavenly truth 

While balmly breezes softly blow, 
r^pon the soul of youtli! 

And look to thee nor look in vain. 

Our God, for sunsliine and for rain. 

Morn is the time to love — 

As tendrils of the vine, 
The young affections fondly rove. 

And seek them where to twine 
Around thyself in thine embrace. 
Lord, let them find their resting place. 

Morn is the time to shine. 

Where skies are clear and blue — 

Reflect the rays of light divine, 
.•\s morning dewdrops do. 

Like early stars be early bright. 

And melt away like them in light. 

Morn is the time to weep — 

O'er mornin- hours misspent — 

Alas! how oft from peaceful sleep 
On foiiv madly bent. 

We've left the straight and narrow 
road. 

.And wandered from our guardian God. 



261 



Morn is the time tu think. 

VVliile tlioug-hts are fresh and free, 
Of life just balanced on the brink 

Of dark eternity, 
And ask our souls if they should meet. 
To stand before the judg-ment seat. 

Morn is the time to die. 

Just as the dawn of day. 
When stars are fading in the sky. 

To fade like them away. 
But lost in lig-ht more brilliant far. 
Than ever merged the morning' star. 

Morn is the time to rise 

The resurrection morn. 
Upspringing- to the g-lorious skies. 

On new found pinions borne 
To meet a Saviour's smile divine 
Be such ecstatic rising: mine? 
[May 15, 1841.] 



AN ODE. 

Written for tlie "Sons of Temperance' 
by Mrs. J. L. Gray. 

Air — "'Greenland's Icy Mountains." 
Arise ye "Sons of Temperance," 

And lift your voices high; 
Hear, every hill and valley 

Our liberated cry. 
For we have burst our bondage. 

Now shall our anthem be. 
Peace, happiness and concord. 

The bonds that bind the free! 

We long had lain in ruin, 

I'nconscious of our cliain; 
Smiled at our own undoing; 

Our children wept in vain — 
Our homes were sad and desolate — 

Our hearths were cold and drear; 
Peace fled before our comingr, 

Nor sought an entrance there. 

Until by Temperance lighted. 

We waked at length to see 
Our lot. how lorn and blighted. 

How deep its misery! 
By hand of friendship aided. 

We broke tlie galling chain 
Whose rent and riven fetters. 

Shall never bind again. 

Ye who disgraced, degraded, 

Tn want and ruin lie. 
O! be ye by us persuaded. 

The remedy to try:- 
Come, east your lot among us; — ■ 

Come .ioin our ranks and see 
How soft, yet strong the bondage 

Of peace and amity' 

We know your strong temptation; 

We know your trials sore; 
We know you can be rescued. 

To fall and sink no more. 
Then fear ye not, nor faUer, 

Let hearts be firm and true; — 
Before the sacred altar. 

We seek not yours, b\il you. 

Then praise to our Redeemer 

Let every heart accord; 
Not unto us be honour; 

Give glory to the Lord! 
He gave the will and power. 

And b.\' his grace shall we 
Continue ever faithful! 

To God ano fjiberty! 

Go forth then "Sons of Temperance" 

Proclaim your creed abroad. 
To happiness make converts — 

Bring proselytes to God; 
'Till round oxir land a plialanx 

Of faithful hearts shall be. 
Our motto. Love and Concord — 

Our w;itchword. unity ! 
FKaston. Marcli ^^. 184ri,] 



THE CRYSTAL SPRING. 

Lines written by request for the Crys- 
tal Spring Section, No. 54, Cadets of 
Temperance, for their New Year's Cele- 
bration, January 1st, 1849, by Mrs. J. L. 
(J ray. 

Come brothers of the Crystal Spring 

Now we a^am have met — 

In praise of Temperance let us sing. 

And ne'er her laws forget. 

We'll take a bright and brimming cup. 

And make the welkin ring 

With three times three, we'll drink 

it up. 
The toast "our Crystal Spring". 
Our own pure "Crystal Spring" my 

boys. 
Our own pure Crystal Spring. 
It blights no hopes, it mars no joys 
So here's our Crystal Spring. 

Come Easton boys espouse our cause, 

Witli you we'll freely share — ■ 

Our password, secrets, love and laws. 

.And all tliat's just and fair, — 

\Vc promise you no mad'ning bowl. 

No burning brand.y sling; 

But good for body and for soul 

You'll find our Crystal Spring. 

You're welcome to our Spring my boys 

Our sparkling Crystal Spring. 

It blights no liopes. it mars no joys 

Come taste our Crystal Spring. 

The wine may move itself arigh.t. 

Like melted rubies fair; 

Yet will it like a serpent bite. 

Oh Easton boys beware; 

Tlie strongei- drink in after days. 

Will like an adder sting. 

But safety, health and happiness 

Are in our Crystal Spring — • 

Then taste the Cr.ystal Spring my boy.s. 

Then taste the Crystal Spring — 

It Ijlights no hopes it mars no joys. 

So taste our Cr.ystal Spring. 

1'he worm that gives the liquid fire. 

O. may we not regard — 

Emblem of tliat undying worm. 

Tile drunkard's sure reward — 

To death our parents lioary heads. 

Its baneful sweets may bring. 

But many a mothers' blessing rests 

rpon our Crystal Spring — 

I'pon our Crystal Spring, m.v bo.vs , 

Upon our Crystal Spring. 

But many a mothers' blessing rests. 

Upon our Crystal Spring. 

'Twas Satfin mixed tlie binning l>owl. 

-And gave tlie vain desire — 

'I'o quench the flame that scoi-cli the 

s.iul. 
P.y adding liquid wire; — 
What would the tottering dr\inkard 

gi\e 
Away his cups to fling — 
A temperate, happy life to live. 
And love the Crystal Spring; 
And lo\'e the Crystal Spring, my boys. 
.And love the Crystal Spring; 
.A temperate happy life to live. 
.And lo\(' the Crvstal Spring. 

^^"hen God pronounced Ills creatures 

good. 
No mad'ning draught was there — 
But many a spring and rivulet. 
Flow'd sparkling cool and fair — 
What God lias blessed, what God has 

given 
That only would we bring; 
The liquid cnme direct from heaven. 
That fills our Crystal Spring — 



>62 



That ttUs our Crystal Spring, my boys. 
That nils our Crystal Spring — • 
The liquid came direct from heaven, 
Tliat tills our Crystal Spring. 
[January 3, 1849.1 



",y iLLIAM THE NEGRO BOY. 

A True Tale. 

By Mrs. Jane L. Gray, Easton, Penna. 

It once befel, upon a day 

When chilling winds did blow, 
And winter had his mantle on 

Of white and dazzling snow; 
And every pDnd and rivulet 

Were briglit and smooth as glass,. 
Some boys went out. a sportive hour 

Lpon the ice to pass. 

Oh, many a mother's hope was there, 

Witli kerchief round his chin, 
And mittens warm upon his liands. 

And cap of sable skin. 
And there was many a gentle youth, 

Their parents' pride and joy; 
There, too, was William Patterson 

A humble negro-boy. 

Oh, but they were a jolly band. 

And pleasant 'twas to see 
How gracefully upon the ice 

They went, and merrily 
Now here, now there, now up, now 
down. 

While laugh, and joke, and shout. 
Were heard upon the sparkling lake. 

And echoed round about. 

Alas! for in the very height 

Of all their sport and glee, 
The treacherous stay beneath their 
feet 

Was broken suddenly; 
Down, down they sink — seven precious 
souls. 

Beneath the ice bound wave; 
Oh. who of all that shared their sport 

Wilt risk his life to save? 

"Oh. Patterson, Will Patterson! 

In agony they cry! 
"Our comrades, come, oh, quickly, come, 

Save, save them, or they die!" 
He heard, he flew, small need had they 

To call upon him twice; 
Like lightning flash at summer's eve. 

He's down beneath the ice. 

And soon up to the slippery verge. 

His sable arms upbore 
Two shivering youths, the rescued 
ones, 

■V nd carried safe to shore. 
"I'll save them all, I'll save them all" 

'I'he youthful hero cried; 
Again the daring boy went down. 

Rose, struggled, sink, and died. 

Vain were thy efforts, noble boy — 

He died but could not save. 
And many a mourning mother's price 

Lies with him 'neath the wave. 
How changed the scene — for laugh and 
shout. — 

For frolic, sport and glee. 
Are heard around this fatal spot. 

Wild shrieks of agony. 

And dare we woo to muse for thee. 

Dark Afric's sable son? 
Thy name might shine in glowing 
lines — 

Be graved in lasting stone. 
For bold and fearless was thy heart. 

Though black might be tliy skin; 
The hero on the blood stained field 

Could scarce thy laurels win. 



And now unto his mother's home, 

He left so blithe at morn, 
A stiff cold corpse her darling boy 

Was sadly, slowly borne! 
She laid him in his wintry grave. 

He earthly stay is gone — 
Poor woman — Oh! God pity her. 

She's lost a noble son. 

And now to all that may have read 

This short and simple lay, 
A word or two before we part, 

An humble bard would say; 
Oh, life is fleeting, death is sure. 

Think of the judgment — day. 
[April 11, 1S49.] 

LINES WRITTEN IN THE ALBUM OF 

MISS FANNY B. 
Yes, Fanny, I remember well, thy 

mother's gentle mein 
The broad expanse of that fair brow, 

all passionless, serene; — 
The blue eye's lengthened languish; 

the cheek's soft peach like 

hue, 
Yes. I remember she was fair, yet not 

so fair as you. 

I see her now, as I was wont, that 

dark, brown glossy hair. 
So modestly and smoothly combed, 

upon her forehead fair; 
The smile, so transient, yet so sweet, 

that o'er her features moved. 
The voice so soft, the words so kind, 

all loved, for all were loved. 

The very robe that wraps her form, 
seemed made the heart to win, 

For purity and grade without, forth 
figured grade within; 

No glittering gem shone on her brow, 
her hand no diamond bore; 

A meek and quiet spirit was, the or- 
nament she wore. 

O! Fanny when that loving lip was 

first to thine imprest 
She fondly dreampt of years to come, 

in shadeless pleasure drest; 
Her fancy brightly pictured thee, to 

woman's stature grown. 
In all thv youth and loveliness, her 

beautiful, her own. 

When on thy infant face she gazed, in 

rapture's fondest mood. 
She thought of many a blandishment 

to lure thee to be good; — 
Of many a gentle, kind reproof, of 

warnings to be given; — 
Of flowers, to strewn along the path, 

she trod with thee to heaven. 

Yet when she heard her Saviour's 
voice, in sweetest accents say, 

"Come my beloved" she rose in haste, 
to take her heavenward 
way; — . ^ ^ 

Oh! if there was one earthly grief, her 
joyful spirit knew 

One tear to dim her raptured eye, that 
tear was shed for you. 

When severed were the links that 

bound the spirit and the clay. 
And the bright wing was gladly poised, 

to bear the soul away; — 
Yet was one silken tie unloosed, one 

golden band unriven 
Maternal love, a lengthening chain, 

united earth and heaven. 

Perhaps when others sleep, she comes,, 
upon thy brow to gaze 

And watches all thy slumbering' 
thoughts, and all thy waking 
ways 



263 



When devotion to the right or left, thy 
wandering footsteps stray 

She long's to breathe a warning word, 
and point the narrow way. 

And can it be, her soul and mine, that 

blend together now! 
Is this her soft etherial wing, which 

fans my fevered brow? 
With the dim distant spirit-land can 

such communings be? 
Her hovering shade indite the lines 

my fingers trace for thee? 

No form I see, no voice I hear, nor 

sign, nor sound reveal. 
The pure emotions, undefined, that o'er 

my spirit steal; 
Thoughts high, unutterable, vast, to 

my rapt soul are given. 
Revealings bright, communings sweet, 

strange intercourse with 

heaven. 

Oh I cause of many an anxious thought, 
of many a tender tear. 

Of sorrow and of happiness, of ming- 
ling hope and fear; 

From earth's templations. sins and 
fears, fly to the Saviour's 
breast; 

There, only there, is safety found, and 
blessedness and rest. 

For beauty fadeth, as the flower upon 
the frail may rose; — 

Favor is transient as the stay, of 
April's falling snows; — 

But she whose willing feet delight to 
tread fair wisdom's w^ays. 

Whose thoughts are pure, w^hose ac- 
tions right, she, she, shall 
have the praise. 

Oh I blame not. praise not. that I write, 

for you these wai'ning words. 
My passive harp was tuned and strung 

another touched its cords; 
Hopes cherished by thy cradle-bed; 

nrayers, that thou didst not 

hear; 
Her spirit breathed into my soul, to 

whisper in thine ear, 
(December 5. 1849.] 



THE PASTOR'S FUNERAL. 

By Mrs. J. L. Gray. 

1. — A stranger paused in our village 
street. 
Before the church-yard gate. 
For the sexton there, with his thin 
grey hair. 
On a funeral seemed to wait; 
And the wailing swell of the solemn 
bell 
Sent forth its mournful tone — 
"And who is dead?" the stranger said, 

"And who to his rest hath gone? 
For fair and ween the fame hath been. 
Of that departed one." 

2. — The old man dashed from his eye 
a tear. 
As he leaned on his earth-worn 
spade. 
"Ah! one is gone, whom all bemoan." 

The old man sadly said. 
"O! suddenly, suddenly called to rest 

Hath our pastor passed away. 
And his people come, in tears and 
gloom. 
To burv his honoured clay; 
For a faithful friend was he to them. 
A laborour night and day," 

3.— "They gather, they gather, from 
hut and hall. 
They gather from vale and hill. 



And the liouse is full, and the porch 
is full. 
And yet they are gathering still! 
And the solemn hearse, with its nod- 
ding plume. 
And its trappings rich and rare; 
And the steed in vain, that scorns the 
rein. 
Stands proudly chafing there — 
O fair tlie pastor's life hath been. 
His funeral shall be fair." 

4. — Now the stranger went in, to a 
lowly room. 
The face of the dead to see. 
And the furniture scant, it spoke of 
want. 
And it whispered — poverty; — 
And the pastor lay there, in his thin 
white shroud. 
With his hands on his moveless 
breast; 
And O. his brow is as placid now 

As a babe's in its cradled rest — 
He care and woe. no more shall know. 
For his home is with the blest. 

5.— And the widow, she sat by that 
eoffin head. 
With a young child, on her knee, 
But she bowed so low, 'neath her load 
of woe, 
1'hat her face he could not see — 
A little girl leaned on her mother's 
lap; 
She had sobbed herself to sleep. 
And a boy of four, sat on the floor. 

And wept to see them weep — 
And even the knell of that funeral 
bell. 
Boomed sad in the silence deep. 

6. — And they bore him forth, from the 
parsonage gate. 
To his bed in tlie church-yard cold; 
And all spoke well of the pnstor gone. 

And all of his virtues told; — 
And his children fair, they followed 
there; 
.And his widow, O! sad to see!— 
The gathered crowd spoke praises 
loud. 
But not one word spoke she! 
For by her side the children cried. 
And sobbed convulsively. 

7. — The grief of the crowd is high 
and loud. 
Rut her's is silent and deep — - 
Her stay, her prop, her youth's fair 
hope. 
Now sleeps his dreamless sleep!— 
O. where shall she for shelter flee. 

When the funeral pomp is o'er! 
The home that there, his hands made 
fair. 
Her home shall be no more; 
.Another's tread shall sound instead. 
On that dear cottage floor' 
S, — The stranger, he mingles with the 
throng. 
That to the church-yard sped; 
And he hears them speak of a monu- 
ment. 
To honour their pastor dead; — 
Of a marble stone of sculpture rare. 

With an epitaph fair to see. 
But no one spoke nf the widowed-one. 

-\nd the poor little ornhans three; 
.Xlns! that in our Christian lond 

Such thoughtless hearts should be! 

fl. — "And was he faithful." the strang- 
er said. 
"Tt srive you the hrend of life? 
And can voii let his cliildren want. 

Nor help his helpless wife? 
By night and day. T hear you say. 
He' madiJ vour wants his care. 



264 



By the sick-bed's sioom. in tlie dark- 
ened room, 

Where grief and sorrow were, 
And want, and pain, held fearful reign. 

Your minister was there." 

10. — "In time of health ye gathered 
wealth. 
But he had none to spare; 
You doled, 'tis said, his daily bread. 

As liis daily wantings were. 
No trophy he needs, that your hands 
can raise, 
F^or he owns a crown and a throne! — 
O cheer the life of his widowed wife; 

hush his orphans' moan; 

Nor be it said, they cried for bread. 
And that you gave — a stone!" 

11. — Now was there one among the 
throng. 

1 may not name his name. 

For the generous blush for generous 
deeds. 
Though the vile blush not for shame; 
And he took her, as John did Mary 
take. 
A boon by his Master given — 
For the homeless ones a home he 
found. 
And balm for the bosom riven; 
May blessings cluster round his path — 

May he find his rest in heaven! 
[Easton. Pennsylvania.] 



ELIZABETH SHEWELL LORRAINE 
SWIFT. 

Was born at Geniiantown, Pa., in 1795, 
the daughter of John and Lydia Shewell 
Lorraine, the former a prominent mer- 
chant of Philadelphia. She was married 
to Joseph Kimmersley Swift, M. D., a 
well known physician of Easton, who for 
many years resided in the northwest cor- 
ner of the square. She died at Easton in 
May, 1872, Dr. Swift having died the 
year previous. Mrs. Swift for many 
years was a contributor not only to the 
local press, but her poems are frequently 
found in Neill's Saturday Gazette and 
other literary journals of the day. They 
were written less for the public than for 
a circle of warmly attached friends, and 
have been all generously written. A 
writer, ir. referring to her* compositions, 
says: "There is a dignity of thought and 
htnguage in all she writes, and though 
her imagination is not the most vivid, in 
her ])oems there is no dearth of incident. 

"Her thoughts are noble— elevated — 
thrilling; her language pure, very pure. 
She approaches everything with dignity; 
this gives to her poetry a slight appear- 
ance of labor, but does not disturb its 
l)urity. At times she is gay, but always 
dignified. Love- -Tenderness- -Friendship- 
run through her effusions, but they are 
witliout familiarit}'. 

•'The saying of Rousseau — 'Le monde 
est le livre des fcmmes' — may be true as 
to most women, but it certainly is not 
as to Mrs. Swift; she has learned much 
from the 'black and white.' Her poetry 
is learned, and of a high order." 

The following are selected from those 
published in the newspapers of Easton 



some of which however appeared in oth- 
er publications: 

Lines suggested by the death of 

MISS iMARY ANN RALSTON, 
THE AGED MOTHER AND HER DEAD 
CHILD. 
By Mrs. E. S. Swift. 
"Now boast thee, Death, in thy posses- 
sion lies, 
A maid unparalled. — Shakespeare. 

Mournful Mother, stilly sitting, 
By thy dead and cherished one. 
Grief all other eyes are filling, 
Thine, seem turned to stone. 

With what deep and untold anguish, 
Dost thou gaze upon that face; 
Soon, too soon to be enshrouded, 
From thy close and long embrace. 

Those dear lips, that opened smiling. 
With fond words thy ear to bless, 
Who will fill for thee their silence ? 
Who, their faith and truth express? 

She, thy lost and only treasure. 
Idol, worshipped thro' a life — 
How thy yearning heart will quiver, 
Struggling with its bitter strife! 

Ho\y for thee shall memory waken. 
By her bird, her book, her flower, 
Looks and tones, that gone forever; 
Shall thy spirit overpower. 

But for thee lone one, a dawning 
Of a glorious day shall come; 
Brief will be thy painful parting. 
Christian — God shall call thee home. 

\Mio shall paint the holy rapture. 
Of the mother and her child ? 
Who can speak the blest reunion. 
Of the pure and undefiled? 

Unto Thee — oh! pitying Saviour, 

Be all praise and glory given, 
O'er the grays with sorrow laden, 
Thou has poured the light of Heaven. 
[Easton, Pa., Sepi. 12, 1845.] 

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, 

Addressed to 

Mrs. E. F. Ellet by Mrs. E. S. Swift. 

Summer has gone, with its bloom and its 
fountains. 

Hushed is the music from valley and hill; 

The frost-king now reigns on the snow- 
covered mountains. 

And ice-fetters prison the river and rill 

But Lady-bird still thy sweet strains are 
awaking 

The sun-shine that dwelt in the long- 
perished bowers. 

And the soft wooing zephyrs are playful- 
ly shaking 



26s 



The rich gushing perfume from many 
hued flowers, 

Enchanted we turn from the cold and the 
real, 

To wander with thee in fancy's rich 
dream ; 

And in the far land of the poet's ideal, 

To watch the bright -sparkle of Helcion's 
stream. 

What matters it, if on the face of cre- 
ation, 

The snow-drift lies deep, and the stormy 
winds shriek, 

Undisturbed by the dreary and wide des- 
olation. 

We shut out its darkness thy pages to 
seek, 

But May will retiu'n with her garland of 
roses, 

The woods shall be vocal with carol and 
lay ; 

The "'forget me not" bank where the wild 
bee reposes, 

Will twine with star-flowers each deli- 
cate spr?y 

From earth, air and water, sweet sounds 
shall come stealing, 

And in one joyous pean ascend to the 
skies. 

And nature, in leaf, bud and blossom re- 
vealing. 

Her }nystical workmanship gladden our 
eyes. 

Then Lady-bird come to our Eden-no 
pinion 

That Hies by our groves shall be as wel- 
come as thine, 

All true hearts shall bow to thy gentle 
dominion, 

And worshippers throng to thy laurel- 
wreathed shrine, 

Now to her who has poured forth her 
mind's choicest treasure, 

To clieer llie dark season of torpor and 
care. 

From the type of herself, in full crystal 
measure, 

We will toast, ''our sweet Ellet, the joy- 
ous and fair." 
lEaston, Pa., April 15, 184t).] 



LINES TO LEIGH HUNT. 

On reading his lines of the Italian Poets. 

B\ Mrs. K. S. Swift. 
I send a grateful thought to thee, dear 

cousin of my heart. 
For o'er the broad Atlantic's wave its 

viewless |)inions dart. 
Tho' wintry tempests rend the skies, still 

with unerring flight. 
It soars amid the dark profound, tho' 

\\rai)t in deepest night. 
The myriads on the shipwrecked bark, 

struggling in death's last throe. 
The cries of drowning mariners, the wail 

of woman's woe. 



And c'hiidliood's shriek of agony upstart- 
ing from the rest, 
Where cherub heads were pillowed upon 

a mother's breast, 
Xow daslvmid furious waters ascending 

mountain high, 
Then in unfathomable depths, all stilled 

the victims lie! 
Such is its pathwaj' o'er the deep, that 

ever restless Power 
That yearly breaks fond human hearts, 

bestowing sudden dower 
Of orphanage and widowed — O dread 

mysterious Main! 
'"CJive back the dead," grief's piercing cry 

fore\er poured in vain. 
Onward-still onward flies my thought 

and now on Albion's strand, 
illustrious in her gifted sons, revered, 

time honored land! 
It pauses by thy study chair, in that 

soft shadowed room, 
Where genius and fancy wreathe flowers 

of immortal bloom. 
J'hose thoughtful eyes-their full dark 

orbs are brimming o'er w ith joy, 
As Dante's lyre or Petrach's lute the 

charmed horns employ. 
And with thy pen — an iris plume, drop- 
ped from an angel's king. 
Again Italia's minstrel bards, their death- 
less number sing, 
I'ntil in this far western world the echo 

has been heard. 
Filling our hearts with new delight, like 

sununer's earliest bird. 
Ah! I remember full well, when at our 

grundsire's knee 
A proud delighted child, I read the Odes 

of "cousin Leigh" 
AvA thy first letter (thou wert then a 

happy Easton boy) 
And still i-eligiously 'tis kept, how could 

my hand destroy 
The mystic characters o'er which my 

loving glsLUces poured? 
t'onning each sentence day by day — like 

miser o'er his hoard. 
And yet thy words have power to wake 

within my breast a thrill, 
Witli thee I mourn o'er Shelly's fate, or 

P.yron's darker still! 
Or with a fearless step I rove with thee, 

my trusts guide. 
\\ here dragons hiss, and trees have 

tongues, and wicked gnomes abide. 
Intil, magician as thou are, in radiant 

li^L'ht unfurl'd, 
Px'fore my dazzled sense appears a new 

and wondrous world. 
Soft music floats upon the breeze, heart 

touching, wild and sweet. 
Love bowered in roses nestles there, with 

Peauty at his feet. 
And graceful Fancy, wild RomaTice, with 

fair> F.hcs at l>lay. 



266 



Disport in that enchanted land, beneath 

the moon's mild ray, 
All lovely things of earth and air for thee 

their charms unclose, 
Thy spirit walks abroad with bliss, the 

Poet only knows. 
And long to that true, earnest soul may 

such high gifts be given, 
L'ntil it seeks its native home, among the 

pure in Heaven! 
TEaston, Pa., April 22, 1840.] 

STANZAS. 

"Friends who by practice of some envious 

skill 
Were torn apart, a wide wound, mind 

from mind, 
She did unite with visions dear 
Of fond affection, and of truth sincere." 

—Shelley. 

Not on this earth, beloved, shall we meet; 
Not in this weary world of sighs and 

tears. 
Where life is meted out by days and 

years. 
Shall we again our plighted faith re- 
peat : 

But in some mansion blest, 
Where happy spirits rest. 
Some star perchance is space, where far- 
off light 
(Ileam'd on thy upturn'd brow, when 

first you swore 
To love me always, love me evermore. 
Passion's bright dawn, that set in dark- 
est night. 
In loneliness and silence oft I gaze 
Upon the midnight glories of the skies. 
When world on- world man's feeble sense 

defies. 
Till overwhelm'd by the refulgent blaze 
Of Deity reveal'd, my soul is still'd, 
And with its immortality is fiU'd 
Ah! then for thee, in deep but wordless 

prayer 
My spirit, as if borne on angel-wings 
Pleads for thee with the mighty King of 

Kings, 
To guide and guard thee safe through 
every snare. 

For both, the sorrow that makes desolate 
Hath brim'd a cup whose anguish and 

dismay 
Wither'd the spring-buds of life's early 

day ; 
Dreamers upon the brink of adverse fate. 
With chiliHike trust its stormy billows 

greeting 
At morn's farewell, and evening's blessed 

meeting. 
Love threw his rainbow on the coming 

cloud, 
And Faith, the angel of this world of 

tears. 



Pointed with radiant brow to future 

years. 
Alas! for us the i'uture wove Love's 

shroud ! 

[1849.] 



HANNAH. 

Samuel 1st Book, 1st Chapter. 

Written by ilrs. E. S. Swift. 

Hark to the gathering tread of many 

feet. 
Still pressing onward to the sacred fane 
To offer yearly sacrifice in Shiloh! 
Kings, lords, and priests, childhood and 

hoary age. 
The matron, and the maid, from whose 

bright eyes 
Her glad yoimg spirit shone with starry 

light. 
All radiant in the fullness of its joy — 
The friend more true than brother, and 

the foe 
Who nurst in his revengeful breast a 

Ha me 
Prompting to deeds of hate — with one 

accord 
Approach the temple, sanctified to Him 
The great 1 am ; From every human heart 
The veil is lifted — as with prostrate 

form. 
They bow before the Mercy Seat, o'er- 

spread 
With wings of Cherubim, whose beaten 

gold 
In elHuent splendours blaze like living 

fire: 
Now slowly o'er the multitude ascends 
The costly incense,, scenting the wide 

space 
As perfume gathered fresh from count- 
less flowers ; 
And in full sympathy, triumphal strains 
Of praise and prayer in choral hymns 

resoimd 
Sacred communions- -ministrations high-- 
Types of the glorious, advent of the 

Cross, 
Still shadowed forth as ages rolled away 
Employed the worshippers. Silent- 
serene — 
The evening hour drew near; when the 

High Priest 
Proclaimed the rites completed — and at 

morn 
Bade them again attend for sacrifice. 

The moving hosts departed, and no 
sound 
Disturb'd the holy stillness of the place; 
\\'hen aged Eli lingering by the porch 
Beheld a kneeling woman. From her lips 
No voice was heard, and the indignant 

priest 
Accosted her as one whom love of wine 
Despoiled of reason. Hannah gently rose 
And turning her sweet face, still wet with 

tears. 



267 



To lier accuser, said— 

"No — no my lord, 
Such sin was never mine; before my God 
I have poured forth a spirit stricken 

deep 
With ceaseless sorrow — asking for His 

aid 
To bear my burden, or to bless my 

prayer." 
The Eli answered, 

"Daugliter, go in peace. 
The God of Israel giant thee thy de- 
sire." 

Years passed away; a multifarious 
throng 
Again within the Tabernacle met 
To offer homage to the King of Kings. 

And one was there, Avhose s'oft and 
gentle eyes, 

Filled with a Mother's love, fond glances 

cast 
Upon her first-born smiling at her side; 
A boy of scarce two summers, but as 

fair 
As early May bud opening to the day; 
His bright young head was pillowed on 

her hand 
Half hid amid the 'clustering curls, which 

fell 
Like rays of woven sunshine o'er his 

brow, 
His infant face suggested thoughts of 

Heaven, 
Its seraph innocence so purely shone. 

Threading with cautious step the 

mingled crowd, 
Her darling circled by her sheltering 

arm. 
The matron sought a pathway to the 

shrine 
Where Eli fed with fragrant spice and 

gums 
The sacrificial fire, now tlaming high 
In crested shapes of orange, blue and gold 
When thus she spoke, — 

"As thy soul lives my lord, 
1 am the woman that stood by thee 

here. 
Praying unto the Lord. P'or this dear 

ch'" ' 
Voiceless, though deep, was my petition 

made; 
For I was childless, and the scorn of her 
Blest with fair offspring in my distant 

home. 
My prayer was granted, and lo, now I 

come 
With grateful heart, to lend liim to uiy 

God 
As long as he shall live." 

Then from her lips 
Gushed forth a tliankful song of earnest 

praise, 
O'erflowing gladness and exulting joy. 
And Sanuiel in a linen ephod clad — 
A tender nursling, gentle, pure and fair. 
Beside the aged Eli meoklv stood. 



And ministered unto the Lord of Lords. 
[Easton, Pa., December 4, 18.50.] 



SONNET. 

Written by Mrs. E. S. Swift. 

It is the Sunset hour — but stormy clouds 

Blacker than midnight veil his parting 
beams, 

Like the dark pall that some young face 
enshrouds 

That erst was fairer than the Poet's 
dreams. 

Ah glorious Sun ! how oft at eventide 

I've watched thy setting, when the glow- 
ing sky 

Seems like the golden path where angels 
glide 

From heaven to earth to waft blest souls 
on high. 

And o'er thy gorgeous couch rich colours 
rose 

Painting the clouds with more than lim- 
ners are. 

Till the o'er dazzled eye would tearful 
close. 

And feel the scene reflected on the heart. 

The grateful heart, that felt the love, the 
Power, 

Which made for man this calm delicious 
hour. 
[Easton, Pa., Dec. 12, 1850.] 



LINKS TO THE MEMORY OF 
DR. JOHN COOPER.* 
By Mrs. E. S. Swift. 
"How shall we mourn thee! With a 
lofty trust 
Our life's iinmortal birth-right from 
above." 

1 too would place upon thy bier, 
Bereaved friend a tear dimmed leaf, 
A record of my love and grief. 
For loss of one so dear. 

The grave now hides that honored head! 
Hush'd is the faint and struggling 

breath ; 
But o'er the victory of Death 
How many hearts have bled! 

And she — thine own, in weal or woe. 
Thy loved companion, friend and wife, 
The long and fondest tie to life. 
Her grief, no balm can know ! 

All loved thee for thy spotless truth. 
The genial mind, whose vernal spring 
t'ould sunshine o'er earth's pathway 

fling, 
\\'ith all the zest of youth. 

Amid the pains and ills of life. 
How often has thy clieering voice, 
Bade the j^ale sufferer rejoice. 
And left him, peace for strife. 



268 



Blessings from grateful lips combine; 
And all must mourn, that never more 
To pac'li familiar liousehnld door, 
Shall come that step of thine. 

But tho' we weep earth's broken ties, 
Vet o'er the meek and holy dead, 
A radiant beam from Heaven is shed 
Which says — they shall arise! 

Arise immortal from the sod! 
Upspringing from sepulchral glooms 
They shall infold their angel plumes, 
In presenc*! of their God ! 

[Easton Pa., Feb. 14, 1851.] 
*Dr. John Cooper was one of Easton's 
most prominent physicians. A daughter 
married the Rev. John Vanderveer, D. D., 
of Easton. Descendants in the male line 
are prominent in New York City. 

SAMUEL DEWEES PATTERSON. 

Another poet whose contributions are 
found in the literary journals of the 
period, as well as in the local news- 
papers, though never a resident of Eas- 
ton, spent much of his time there, and 
doubtless received much of his inspira- 
tion from the beautiful and attractive 
scenery for which Easton was long fa- 
mous. He married a daughter of an 
Eastonian — Sarah Ann Mott, the daugh- 
ter of William Beckett ]\^>tt and Eliza- 
beth Sarah Moore, daughter of Samuel 
]\Ioore and Sarah (^reen, of Easton. 

Toward the close of the eighteenth cen- 
tury (1708) two brothers, John Patterson 
and Samuel Patterson, came to America 
fjom Belfast, Ireland, in which locality 
they were probably brought up. Their 
father's name was Samuel, as is evi- 
denced in the postscript to a letter writ- 
ten by him (prior to 1815) from his 
home in Ireland to his sons John and 
Samuel in America. This postscript is 
detached from the letter of which it was 
a part, and is signed "SI. Patterson;" it is 
in possession of his great-great-grand- 
daughter, Mary M. Patterson Weaver. 

Both brothers located in Montgomery 
county. Pa., in the vicinity of Norris- 
town, where about the saiue time had 
located the Hamills, Stuarts, Pattersons 
(believed to have been near kin to the 
above of the same name) and other North 
of Ireland families. 

Samuel Dewees Patterson, who was 
born in the old inn at Jeffersonville, 7 
June, 1807. His father having died when 
he was a youth of 8; (his mother died 
when he was 18) he was early tppren- 
ticed to James \^'innard, publisher of the 
Norristown Register, then the leading 
Democratic journal in the State, to learn 
the "art preservative of all arts" — print- 
ing. Of a studious tiirn of mind and 
gifted with extraordinary natural tal- 



ents, he devoted his hours of leisure to 
reading (the fondness for which has de- 
scended to th(^ third generation) and 
study — opportunities for these having 
been aft'orded him by the Hon. Levi Paw- 
ling, who generously placed at his dis- 
posal the use of his library. The trend 
of his mind, however, was towards com- 
position and at the age of 17 (1824) his 
verses ai)peared in the New England Far- 
mer (Boston, Mass.) and in the colunms 
of the Register, and in 1828 before he 
had atained his majority, he became the 
editor of the Register continuing as such 
until 1834, and again for a time in 1849 
during the spirited political campaign. 

In 18.33 he was Recorder of Deeds of 
Montgomery county, Pa. From 1834 to 
1837 in partnership with the late Hon, 
Simon Cameron, he published and edited 
the "Pennsylvania Reporter," during 
which time also by appointment of Gov- 
ernor George Wolf, he was the State 
Printer, and resided at Harrisburg, Pa. 

On 12 September, 1837, he was com- 
missioned by President Van Buren United 
States Marshal of the Eastern District 
of Pennsylvania, residing in Philadelphia; 
upon the election of General Harrison to 
the Presidency, he in 1841 retired from 
oflfice with the most flatering commenda- 
tions of the bench and bar. 

On 18 February, 1839, Governor David 
R. Porter appointed him an aide-de-camp 
on ins staff with rank of Colonel. 

From 1843 and until 1848 he published 
"The Saturday Evening Post" (founded 
by Benjamin Franklin, 1728) then in the 
zenith of its prosperity as a family news- 
paper. It had then among its contribu- 
tors Poe, Willis, Hawthorne, Longfellow, 
Cooper, Neal, G. P. R. James, Bayard 
Taylor, Mrs. Osgood, Mrs. Stephens, Mrs. 
Sigourney and IMary Howitt. Colonel 
Patterson also frecjuently contributed to 
its columns. It was in the "Post" at 
this time that Bayard Taylor first con- 
tributed an account of foreign travel in 
liis letters from Europe entitled "Views 
Afo(_)t" and it was Colonel Patterson's 
financial assistance which enabled this 
rustic youth from Chester county to 
make his first trip abroad, pleasant ac- 
knowledgement of which was made by 
Mr. Taylor in the first published volume 
of these letters (1846). 

In 1845 President Polk appointed him 
Navy Agent at Philadelphia, which ofl^ce 
he held until 1848. About this time he 
was also associated with John W. For- 
ney. ^lilHin Parry, Joseph Neal and A. 
Boyd Hamilton in the publication of the 
•Pennsylvanian" — the predecessor of the 
Pliiladeli)hia Press. 

From 1848 to 1850 he published "Gra- 
ham's Magazine," which had enjoyed 
great popularity and success for many 



269 



years; in the latter year, however, began 
its deolino, and Cnlnnel Patterson mot 
witli financial losses from which he never 
recovered. 

About 1851 he removed to "Wood- 
t)ourne," al)ont three miles from Schuyl- 
kill Haven, where he occupied a position 
with the Silver Creek Coal Minino- Com- 
pany. Here his wife died 12 July, 1853. 
in 1S55 or 185(i he took up his residence 
in the bucolic village of Evansburg, near 
Terkiomen Bridge, Lower Providence 
townshi]), ]\Iontgomery county. Pa., 
where he served for some years as a jus- 
tice of the ])eace, frequently contributing 
in i)oetry and jnose to the local and city 
newspapers. He died here 9 February, 
18()0, and his remains with those of his 
wife (Sarah Ann Mott Patterson) their 
son James Buchanan Patterson (died 
"1844) and also those of Mr. Patterson's 
parents and two children — an infant son 
( died 1830) and Samuel Sherwood Pat- 
terson (died 1833) removed from the 
First Presbyterian Church yard, Norris- 
town. Pa., in 1890 (above referred to) 
and another son Samuel Davenport Pat- 
tersojj, M.D. (died 1890) are buried in the 
section bordering the plaza where once 
»tood the picturesque chapel, opposite to 
the classic north entrance to beautiful 
Laurel Hill cemetery, Philadeljjhia. 

Colonel Patterson as a political writer 
wielded a pen at the same time quiet, 
forcible and bold, and its strength and 
power was keenly felt in the heated dis- 
cussion of the questions of the day. His 
greatest accomplishments, however, were 
in the fields of literature to which he 
gave much of his time; he frequently 
contributed not only to the Journals and 
magazines mentioned, but also to the 
various "annuals" — the National Gleaner, 
Opal, Family Messenger, Casket, The 
(Jift, The Foimtnin and to Godey's La- 
dies' National Magazine, Episcopal Re- 
corder, Pennsylvanian, Washington Un- 
ion, etc. 

Of his poetical writings — the lines "My 
Mother" (1839) and "The Little Straw 
Hat" written shortly after the death of 
his youngest son (1844) — for aflfection- 
ate feeling; and "A Salt River Voyage" 
(1848) a political satire with the poeti- 
cal sentiment pleasing,, the wit pungent 
and the satire just — are among his best. 
His writings, including five volumes in 
manuscript both prose and poetry, have 
been collected by his eldest grandchild, 
Mrs. Mary M. Patterson Weaver. Many 
of these are in liis own hand writing — he 
having early kept copies of his composi- 
tions. 

In his social relations Colonel Patterson 
was conspicuous for his scholarly attain- 
ments and refinement; his associations 
were with the literary and political lea- 



ders of the times. He was the intimate 
friend and correspondent of President 
Buchanan who frequently visited his 
home, and who was godfather to two of 
his children. He was a friend to many 
of the struggling writers of nearly sixty 
years ago who afterwards became famous 
and he was generous to a fault. 

Colonel Patei'son was sincere Christian, 
a member of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church in which he long served as a 
vestryman. 

He was an honorary member and Past 
■Master of Union Lodge, No. 121, A. Y. 
M., wherein he was initiated a member 
20 November, 184», and a companion of 
Jerusalem Chapter, No. 3, R. A. M., since 
2(i Februarv. 184G, and of Harmony Lodge 
I. O. O. F.,"(184f)) all of Philadelphia. He 
delivered the address at the dedication of 
the Odd Fellows Hall, Sixth street, Phil- 
adelphia, 17 September, 184(). He was 
also a member of the Hibernian Society 
of Philadelphia, and an hororary member 
of the Franklin Literary Society of La- 
fayette College, Easton, Pa. Two sons 
survived the father — one of them — Sam- 
uel Davenport Patterson graduated at 
Jefferson jNIedical College and served dur- 
ing the war in the Union army and navy, 
and died a few years ago at Evansburg, 
near Norristown, Pa.; the other son, Wil- 
liam Mott Patterson was educated at 
Vanderveer's Academy, Easton, Pa., and 
at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. 
He married S\isan Burke Winter, of Eas- 
ton, who died during the past j^ear at 
Phillipsburg, N. J. Mr. Patterson died 
in 1875. Both sons, like their father, 
were gifted writers. 

It would not be inappropriate, if our 
sjjace permitted, to refer in detail to the 
early and later productions in prose and 
poetry, which has given to Colonel Pat- 
terson so much distinction in belles let- 
tres. 

There is a deep and sublime sj)irit of 
moral sentiment that pervades many of 
his poetic essays, and the golden tint of 
true jioetry colors with its pure hues the 
sentiments of the verse. 

Mr. Patterson touches the heart with 
the delicacy and effect which are so often 
found in the melodies of j\Ioore. The 
lines addressed to his mother, for real 
merit, affectionate feeling, filial loyalty 
and poetic genius, will compare with any 
similar jiroductions. It was from his 
mother that he received those lessons in 
the Christian virtues which have ever 
marked his conduct and character. He 
revered her memory, as he acknowledged 
his gratitude for her maternal care. 

The presidential election of 1848 hav- 
ing terminated, certain premonitory 
symptoms were felt by the occupants of 
government ])osts that their term of ser- 



270 



vice was drawing to a close. 

Colonel Patterson felt the attack in 
its lightest form. He turned for solace 
to the muses, which had so often been his 
com})anions in "troublous times." They 
vouchsafed their inspiration, and a poem 
of great merit, much satire, and remark- 
able popularity, was produced from his 
pen, entitled, as a significant index to 
his political position, "The Salt River 
Voyage." and "Homeward Bound". The 
extended and favorable notices these 
poems received from both poetical and 
political critics, mark their excellence. 

MY MOTHER. 

My Mother! how that sacred name 

Awakens in my bosom's core, 
Visions of bliss 1 once could claim. 

But which I now may claim no more: 
Bliss, such as mark'd my childhood's 
years, 

When wrapp'd in thy belov'd embrace, 
I knew no cares, nor hopes nor fears, 

Beyond that holy resting place. 

Mother! since those blest joys I knew, 

How many changes time has wrought. 
On all that met my childhood's view, 

Or occu])ied my childhood's thought. 
How many wand'ring steps I've stray'd — 

How many anxious fears endur'd — 
How often mourn'd o'er hopes betray'd. 

How often smil'd o'er bliss secur'd! 

"i'et, though I've wandered far and wide, 

Have (juafi'd of Pleasure's rosy bowl — 
Have launch'd upon Ambition's tide. 

And yielded to its wild control: 
Still, from the fondest, brightest dream, 

That life and hope can bring to me. 
Does mem'ry with its magic gleam. 

Glance back to childhood's hours — and 
thee. 

I see thee as, when by thy side, 

I knelt in infant hours of peace, 
And heard thy prayer, that Heaven would 
guide. 

My footsteps o'er life's wilderness: 
That he who dried the widow's tears, 

Would fondly guard the widow's joy; 
And through the lapse of future years, 

Protect, sustain, preserve thy boy. 

My young heart knew not then how 
much 

Would be its need, in after time. 
Of the strength pray'd for, from the 
touch 

Of dark temptation and of crime. 
To save it. — But I since have learn'd 

Enough of life's bewild'ring snares. 
To bless the power which kindly turn'd 

And listen'd to my mother's prayers. 

Mother! the prayers address'd by thee, 



Fill'd with the fervour of thy love 
Have been a talisman to me. 

To guard and shield — protect — reprove. 
And now when bending o'er thy tomb, 

Thy Son affection's tribute pays 
Faitli breaks trivunphant through the 
gloom. 

And sheds abroad its heavenly rays: 

It whispers that thy sainted soul 

From its high home beholds me still— 
And that thy love will yet control. 

Correct and guide my wayward will! 
That, at the mercy seat, thy prayer 

Will, for the earthly loved ascend, 
Until the ransom d mets thee there. 

His praises, with thine own, to blend. 

Written for the Germantown Pa. Tele- 
graph, 1839. 

REMEMBER THE POOR. 
A new solo, by Samuel D. Patterson 
Esq. arranged and adapted to music by 
Mr. Watson, and sung by Mrs. Watson, 
at the Concert for the benefit of the poor 
of North Mulberry Ward. 
"The poor have ye with you," the bless'd 

Savior said. 
While on earth, on his mission of mercy, 

he stayed — 
That mission which ransom'd and saved 

from despair. 
Souls shrouded in sorrow and darkened 

by fear. 
The poor were his care, and his counsel 

imparts 
A lesson of love to be born in our 

hearts — 
And the promise he gave will forever 

endure, 
That his favor shall rest on the friends 

of the poor. 

The poor — they are with us. Grim 

penury stalks. 
In its withering gloom, through the 

world's busy walks. 
Life's vast panorama reveals to the view, 
In rapid succession, scenes varying and 

true : 
The glory of wealth, with its glitter and 

glare, 
Is followed by phantoms of sorrow and 

care — 
And the brow that we mark, bright with 

])leasure's rich glow. 
Passes on, to give place to one shaded by 

woe. 

The poor — they are wiMi us. 0! let U3 
then give 

Of our fulness, their sufferings and wants 
to relieve; 

Let us dry the big tear-drop on misery's 
cheek. 
Sj)eak jjeace to the wretched, and com- 
fort the weak; . 



271 



Soothe the throbbings of sorrow, and still 

the sad moan 
V^^ich bursts from the heart of the 

friendless and lone — 
And prove, by our deeds, that we love and 

adore 
That Savior who bade us remember the 

poor! 

(From the Phila. Ledger.) 

THE SISTER OF LAZARUS. 



By Samuel D. Patterson, 

"The Master is come and calleth for 
thee."— John xi : 28. 

A sister hung sad o'er the grave of the 
loved, 
And tears of affliction streamed fast 
from her eyes, 
And she bowed 'neath the rod of the 
Chastener, and proved 
That those blessings fly . first which 
most fondly we prize. 
She mused on his virtues, his kindness, 
his truth — 
On the love that was borne her, so 
fervent and high. 
By the playmate ot childhood, companion 
of youth. 
Thus called, in the fresh bloom of 
beauty, to die — 
And the scalding tears fell on tue grave 

of the dead, 
As that fond sister mourned o'er the 
cherished one fled. 

But listen! a voice by the mourner is 
heard, 
Whose tones send the music of peace 
to her soul— 
The loud sobs of anguish are calmed at 
a word. 
And the tear-drops no longer in bitter- 
ness roll — • 
Hope breaks through the gloom that en- 
shrouds her sad heart. 
And her bosom expands with a rap- 
turous glow; 
Firm faith and full trust their blest com- 
forts impart, 
As she hears, from the lips of the Mes- 
senger, flow 
The tidings which bid her deep agony 

flee— 
"The Master is come and he calleth for 
thee." 

So Christian — though gloomy and sad be 
thy days, 
And the tempests of sorrow encompass 
thee black; 
Though no sunsliine of promise or hope 
slieds its rays, 
To illumine and cheer thy life's deso- 
late track; 



Though thy soul writhes in anguish, and 
bitter tears flow 
O'er the wreck of fond joys from thy 
bleeding heart riven — • 
Check thy sorrowing murmurs, thou lone 
one, and know 
That the chastened on earth are the 
purest for Heaven; 
And remember, though gloomy the pres- 
ent may be. 
That the Master is coming — and coming 
to thee! 
May G, 1843. 

RELIGION. 



There is a power which cheers the soul. 
Where storms of grief and anguish rise. 

When lightnings flash and thimders roll. 
And clouds o'ercast life's sunny skies. 

It breaks the chain which care has bound 
It soothes the heart by grief appress'd, 

And sheds a blissful radience round — 
A holy calm, a heavenly rest. 

'Tis blest Religion, power divine. 
Which dissipates the blackest gloom, 

And bids bright hopes of Glory shine. 
To gild the darkness of the tomb. 

Xor are these hopes of glory vain. 
Nor are they changing insecure — 

They fade not, die not, but remain 
^^■hile endless ages shall endure. 
[July 1, 1843.] 

STANZAS. 

"I am the Way and the Truth and the 
Life." — John xiv : 6. 
^'\'hilst wandering in this vale of tears, 
Beset with sorrows and with fears, 
We turn our anxious eyes abroad, 
To seek a pathway, find a road, 
To lead us to a happier home. 
Where neither grief nor pain can come — 
Our search is vain, our hopes betray. 
Unless we turn to Thee — the Way. 

Though pondrous volumes lie before 

Our earnest gaze — the learned lore 

Imprinted on their pages wide. 

Will fail our faltering steps to guide — 

Nor cast a ray of light to clear 

The doubt and gloom which meet us here, 

And trembling age, and ardent youth, 

Alike must turn to Thee — the Truth. 

Though proud Ambition lures us on 
And fancy paints the Goal as won — 
That goal which places on our brows 
The richest prize a conqueror knows; 
-And Fame with all that ])0wer can give, 
Becords our names and bids them live — 
\'ain is the conipicst, vain the strife. 
Unless we turn to Thee — the Life. 



272 



Thou art the Way, the Truth, the Life— 
And hearts that with presumption rife, 
Would seek through other means to gain 
IJght, truth and lite, but toil in vain; 
Thy hand alone conti'ols our way. 
Thy truth bids darkness turn to day; 
And they eternal life have gain'd 
Whose names are written on thy hand. 
[December 9. 1843.] 

STAY NOT YOUR FLIGHT! 



By Samuel D. Patterson. 

[From Graham's Magazine for May, '44.] 
Pray ye that your flight be not in the 
winter — ^latt. xxiv: 20. 

Xot till tempest clouds 
Of Life's drear winter lower, and the 
gloom 
Of gathering care enshi'ouds 
The racked frame and worn spirit — when 
the tomb 
Opens to welcome dust to dust again, 
Stay not your flight till then! 

Spring hath its early flowers, 
Which bud in hope, and bloom in loveli- 
ness; 
And Summer's rosy bowers 
Are rich in fragrance, redolent of bliss; 
And the heart owns, as times and rea- 
sons fall. 
His hand who made them all. 

He clothes Life's vernal morn 
With buds of hope and promise, and the 
flowers 
Which radiantly adorn 
And shed bright lustre o'er its summer 
hours. 
Are good gifts that a parent's hand 

has given 
To children born for Heaven. 

He calls his offspring home — 
And, in youth's spring, and manhood's 
summer glow. 
His mercy bids them come. 
His face to seek, his sacred presence 
know, 
And taste the peace his holy love im- 
parts 
To pure, believing hearts. 

'Tis sad that earth should bind 
The soul in slavish chains, and bid it 
waste 
Its vigor in a blind. 
Bewildering search for good it may not 
taste; 
Earth yields no hope unmingled with a 

fear, 
No joy without a tear. 

Peace, perfect peace is known 



By those who trust the promise, and rest 

Their faith on God alone. 
Who seek him early, find him, and are 
blessed. 
His strength upholds them, and his 

care sustains. 
In trials and in pains. 

Fly then to him, and bear 
The full rich ottering of the young heart's 
love ! 
Press on ! Nor doubt, nor fear — 
His promise stands, and it will ne'er re- 
move, 
Thougli earth, and seas, and skies, shall 

pass away. 
To ruin and decay. 

Not till the tempest clouds 
Of Life's drear winter lower — and the 
gloom 
Of gathering care enshrouds 
The racked frame and worn spirit — when 
the tomb 
Opens to welcome dust to dust again — 
Stay not your flight till then! 

THE BROKEN CIRCLE. 

By Samuel D. Patterson. 

From Godey's Lady Book. 

We mourn for the loved and cherish'd, 

Called hence in her early bloom, 
Like a fair young flower, which perish'd 

In the glow of its rich perfume: 
We weep for the Circle broken — • 

For affection's severed ties — 
And embalm every garnered token 

Of the lost one in hallowed sighs. 

But we mourn not in hopeless sorrow — 

Our darkness is not all gloom — 
For from Faith can our torn hearts 
borrow 

A light that illumes the tomb: 
And a message of peace doth greet us. 
From the loved one borne to her rest — 
Tho' she comes not to earth to meet us. 

We shall go to her and be blest. 

June 15, 1844. 



♦WEEP YE NOT FOR THE DEAD. 

By Samuel D. Patterson. 

Saturday Even ng Post. March 28, 1846. 

Weep ye not for the dead, 
Who sleep their dreamless sleep within 
the grave 
Where drooping willows spread 
Their branches, and the fretful night 

winds wave 
A requiem o'er the cold and lifeless clay, 
Now crumbling in decay. 

What though the summons came 
In Life's morning, when the heart was 



273 



briglit 
With hope's inspiring flame — 
And all tlie future, to the ardent sight, 
Seemed full of promise, loveliness and 
Joy, 
Pure and witliout alloy? 

Oh! shed no tear for him. 
Thus early called away. The word which 
bade 
The lamp of Life grow dim, 
And quenched its glowing ray — that word 

conveyed 
His souls to joys too perfect — bliss too 
bright. 
For mortal ken or sight— 

Ere yet the chilling blast 
Of disappointment fell upon his heart; 

Or care or sorrows cast 
Their many shadows— or the poisoned 

dart 
Of calumny, had rankled in his breast, 

Killing the spirit's rest. 

Or if in manhood's prime 
And all its majesty, and strength, and 
pride, 
Th' insatiate scythe of Time 
Hath cut him down — Oh! murmur not, 

nor chide 
His Providence, who doeth all things well, 
Nor let your hearts rebel. 

Earth has its many cares, 
Whicli prey upon the heart and eat it up : 

And he, percliance, who bears 
His fate with lirmness, drains a bitter 

cup, 
In silent, guarded agony, the while 

His visage wears a smile. 

And if in hoary age — 
As fruit, when fully ripe, drops from the 
tree — 
The reverend and the sage. 
Are called awav from earth — to live and 

be 
Blest in His holy presence, where alone 
Eternal peace is known. 

Why sliould the sorrowing tear 
Fall, when the pure and pearly gates in- 
close. 
And bright-winged seraphs bear 
Souls, tired of earth, and sickened of its 

woes, 
To an enduring home in realms above, 
With Him whose name is Love? 

For them Death has no sting — 
Nor c(mld the cold, still valley of the 
tomb, 
A passing terror fling 
Upon their spirits, 'mid its deepest gloom, 
Their star of Faith shone brightest and 
its ray 
Cheered and illumined their way. 



Then weep not for the dead! 
Who sleep their dreamless sleep within 
the grave. 
Where drooping willows spread 
Their branches, and the fretful night 

winds Avave 
A requiem o'er the cold and lifeless clay 
Now crumbling in decay. 
* Jeremiah XXH, 10. 



THE DAYSPRING. 

S. D. P. 

Fr in (iraham's MRy, 1848. 
Mourner bending o'er the tomb. 

Where thy heart's dear treasure lies, 
Dark and dreary is thy gloom. 

Deep and burdened are thy sighs: 
From thy path the light, whose rays 

Cheered and guided thee, is gone, 
And the future's desert waste 

Thou must sadly tread alone. 

'Neath the drooping willow's shade. 

Where the mourning cypress grows. 
The beloved & lost is laid 

In a quiet, calm repose. 
Silent now the voice whose tones 

Wakened rapture in thy breast — 
Dull the ear — thy anguished groans 

Break not on tlie sleeper's rest. 

(Jrace and lovliness are fled 

Broken is the "Golden bowl," 
Loosed the "silver chord," whose thread 

Boinid to earth th' immortal soul. 
Closed the eyes whose glance so dear 

Once love's language fond could speak, 
And the worm, foul banqueter. 

Riots on that matchless cheek. 

And the night winds, as they sweep 

In their solmen grandeur by. 
^^'ith a cadence wild and deep, 

^lournfully their requiem sigh. 
And each plant and leaf and flower 

Bows responsive to the wail, 
Chanted, at the midnight hour. 

By the spirits of the gale. 

Truly has thy sun gone down 

In the deepest, darkest gloom. 
And the fondest joys thou'st known 

Buried are within that tomb. 
Earth no solace e'er can bring 

To thy torn & bleeding heart — 
Time nor art extract the sting 

h'roni the comjueror's poisoned dart. 

But, amid thy load of wo. 

Turn, Ihou stricken one, tliine eyes 
I'pward, and behold that glow 

Spreading brightly o'er the skies! 
'T is the day-star, beaming fair 

In the blue expanse above ; 
Look on high, and know that there 

Dwells the object of thy love, 



274 



I.iie's bright harp of thousand strings 

By the spoiler's hand was riven, 
Bui the reahn serapliic rings 

Witli the victor notes of heaven. 
Over death triumphant — lo! 

See tliy cherished one appear! 
Mourner, dry thy tears of wo, 

Trust, believe, & meet her there! 

MY OWN DEAR NATIVE LAND. 
By Samuel D. Patterson. 

I've wandered far in distant lands, 

Beyond old ocean's wave. 
And stranger hearts and kindly hands 

A generous welcome gave; 
1 ve stood among the high and great 

In many a lofty hall. 
Where titled wealth and glittering state 

Held joyous carnival. 

But, kind and generous and warm 

As were the hearts I met. 
Their welcome had no power to charm, 

Or lure me to forget 
^ly own loved land. The memory came, 

In bower or stately dome. 
Across my soul with magic gleam. 

Of my dear native home. 

What though its fields are wild and rude? 

Its mountains rough and high ? 
And tempest-floods, in angry mood, 

And turbulent, rush by ? 
It is the land of free-born men. 

Who spurn Oppression's thrall, 
And every mountain, pass and glen. 

Echo to Freedom's call. 

No tyrant foe shall ever wave 

His conquering sceptre here; 
The heritage our fathers gave, 

Their offspring will hold dear. 
With high resolve and faith sincere, 

A patriot host they stand. 
To guard the fame, unstain'd and clear. 

Of our loved native land. 

[May 19, 1847.] 



THE SALT RIVER RHYMES. 



From the Washington (D C. ) Union of November 

23, 1848 

"Mr. Samuel D. Patterson is amply 
compensated for being rowed up Salt 
river, by the compliments which have 
been paid to his rhymes. In this city 
they have been admired by everybody we 
hjive seen. Whig or Democrat. At his 
own home, where proverbially 'no man is 
a prophet,' and scarcely a poet, the press 
is sounding the praise which they de- 
serve. The Pennsylvanian has repub- 
lished them with the compliment, that "it 
is appropriate — the poetic sentiment 
p'easing — the wit pungent and the satire 



just. Nothing published since the last 
political campaign closed affords half as 
good a chance for a hearty laugh as does 
this voyage to the saline headcjuarters.' 

"Even the whigery of the Philadel- 
phia Inquirer has not destroyed its ap- 
pveciation of their wit; and it remarks, 
in a liberal spirit, 'that our friend. Col. 
Sumuel D. Patterson, has been amusing 
himself by preparing a poetical sketch of 
'A Salt River Voyage.' It is published at 
eiigth in the Washington Union, and is 
liighly and deservedly complimented by 
the Official. The Colonel appears to 
think that the defeated party may as 
well be merry as sad under the circum- 
stances, and in this he manifests no little 
philosophy.' 

"But another compliment has been 
pain to the author, which a true knight 
Aill most highly appreciate. The fairy 
hands of ladies have clipped his verses 
from the columns of the Union to pre- 
serve in their beautiful scrap-books." 



VIVE LA BAGATELLE. 



From the Washington (D C.) Ubion of November 
19, lP4g 

^^'e have received a nicely printed 
ticket from Baltimore (we give her whigs 
all the honor of the invention), sealed 
with black wax and a black riband, which 
runs in the following vein : 
•'The 'Noise and Confusion, will not pre- 
vent the Steamer from starting." 



FOR SALT RIVER, 
On the 4th of March next, at 12 o'clock. 
The superior steamer "FREE TRADE." 

This ticket will insure to 

a comfortable passage to 

Salt River. "Baggage at the risk of the 
o\» ners." 

Lewis Cass, Capt. 

W. 0. Butler, Clerk. 

(4ideon J. Pillow, Leader of "the Band." 

Thomas Ritchie (alias nous verrons) 
Pilot. 

' -Circumstances' have placed it in our 
power to furnish you a speedy passage. 
Insurance has been effected against Polk 
Stalks." 

The recipt of a copy of the above 
ticket by a respectable office-holder in 
Philadelphia has given rise to the follow- 
in.", lines. To this miserable piece of 
badinage we are indebted for one of the 
happiest jeux d'esprit which the present 
times have produced. We think with the 
correspondent who has forwarded the 
verses to us, that "we may as well be 
merry as sad" under our disappointment. 
The "defeat came on us like the shower 
bath— but one shwk and all was over. 
It operated as a tonic, and leaves the pa- 
tient stronger and tinner than ever. Our 



275 



friends among the Whigs may as well 
spare their witless witticisms and their 
attected sympathies. They are thrown 
a\vay upon us. We are too old cam- 
paigners to care for such paper shot. 
They proposed to "take us back to old 
Virginny." Many thanks for their kind- 
ness! We desire no better place than 
thip polished and refined metropolis, 
where we find many a kind heart and 
cordial v,-e!come. Besides, our place is 
here. We have some political work to do 
here in the course of the next four years. 
We have to assist in rowing them up 
Salt river^ as we did in '44, after our de- 
feat in '4U — or, rather, they will assist us 
to row themselves up. 



A SALT RIVER VOYAGE. 



By Samuel D. Patterson. 



For the head of Salt river! In strength 

and in pride 
The good bark "Democracy" floats on the 

tide— 
Her anchors aweigh — her provisions are 

stored — 
And all that she needs is the pilot on 

board. 
Her decks are all clean, and her rigging 

all taut. 
And her crew, men who fear not, and will 

not be bought — 
And aloft from the mast head her flag is 

displayed. 
With the motto, "Defeated, but never 

dismayed ! " 

Her commander, brave Cass, on the quar- 
ter-deck stands. 
And his brow liglits with pleasure, and 

his bosom expands. 
As, prouder than victor, he marks with 

delight 
The bold hearts and free that he led to 

the fight. 
And Butler is there, the chivalric and 

true. 
Whose courage no quailing or faltering 

e'er knew. 
With the same noble bearing, the same 

eye of fire, 
That melting in peace, covdd in battle 

inspire. 

And here comes the Pilot. Elastic his 

tread, 
As it was ere Time scattered its snows 

o'er his head; 
But those snows, as they fell, could no 

coldness impart. 
To dampen the fervor and zeal of his 

heart. 
'Tis the veteran Ritchie — the patriot who 

stirred 
In the Mouis of his Inethren an answering 

chord. 



And awakened the echoes of valley and 

hill, 
^^'ith Democracy's clarion, lofty and 

shrill. 



His hands on the helm — see, the signal is 

spread ; 
On board, one and all, ere our bark moves 

ahead — 
There's "a good time before vis," and 

frolic and glee 
Our transit shall mark o'er this wonder- 
ful sea. 
Captain Lynch o'er the site of dead cities 

may sail. 
And the arts and fair science his coming 

may hail. 
But nought on his log will instruct or 

amuse 
Like the sights we shall see on our Salt 

river cruise. 

Embarked on our voyage, our course we'll 

pursue, 
Observing each object that rises to view; 
Enjoying the prospect — but noting with 

care 
Wherever a rapid or rock may appear. 
And a lookout we'll keep, lest the lubbers 

above, 
In the heat of their ardor, the zeal of 

their love 
For the plunder and spoils, on our bows 

should be thrown, 
Anci use themselves up, in their haste to 

come down. 

And then the old relics we'll meet on the 
way — 

Odd notions and projects which flour- 
ished their day. 

But had "obsolete" grown, in Whig par- 
lance, because — 

Good reason — those Whigs could not 
make all our laws. 

Now whigerv's triumph will galvanize 
all— 

And one and another, the mighty and 
small. 

Of these favorite whims we shall find, as 
we go. 

Floating down, with the tide, to the re- 
gions below. 

A national bank will most likely be 

met — 
Taking precedence, justly, as whigery's 

pet — 
Cfiming down on a broad horn, with 

Clay at the oar, 
'J'ugging hard, with his compeers, to bring 

it ashore. 
Its marble may shine in the rays of the 

siui. 
As Sergeant and Clayton are aiding it 

on; 



276 



Eul, bright as the vision may be to the And now comes Tom Corwin, embarked 

eye, on a scow ; 

"I'i-i a sepulchre whitened that there we More coniijlaccment and happy he ne'er 



descry. 

Immortal for aye will thy memory be, 
Biave Jackson, the guardian and shield 

of the free! 
Thy hand drove the monster, in terror, to 

hide 
In the caves at the head of the Salt 

River tide. 
And should the grim tyrant again strive 

to bind 
A nation in fetters, enslaving the mind, 
ilaj' some patriot arm, like thine own, 

strike a blow 
For the rights of a people in bondage laid 

low! 

And next, round a headland, looms up in- 
to view 

A craft called "The Tariff of Old '42"— 

A tight little vessel — but widely she 
yaws. 

For the helmsman, through tippling, or 
some other cause, 

Seems little to heed whether evil or good Like his namesake of old, Billy Morgan's 



looked then now ; 
I'or his hands are all gory, and many a 

soil 
On his garments betoken how earnest his 

toil 
III digging deep graves in a far distant 

land. 
To "welcome" the heroes — fair Liberty's 

band — 
Who answered the call of their country, 

and rose 
. In their might, to encounter and van- 
quish its foes. 



A raft heaves in sight. It bears Stevens 

afloat. 
With one only companion, a masculine 

goat ; 
He bought it to learn from his goat-ship 

the lore 
Of an Odd Fellow's lodge, that he fain 

v.'ould explore. 
But Billy proved silent, or deaf as a 

post. 



Shall come to "the tariff" on Salt River's 
flood. 

The crew were all gulled — Stewart's ob- 
ject was won — 

'J'hc rest will be known when the voyage 
is don«. 



A speck on the waters. An Indian canoe, 

Witli the speed of an arrow, the billows 
cleaves through; 

Ore occupant only is there; and his eyes 

Roll wildly around, as in doubt or sur- 
prise. 

'Tis Webster, the "godlike," who hastens 
along. 

Among, though not of, the great carni- 
val throng, 

And his uplifted voice trembles strangely 
enow. 

As he wistfully asks of us, "Where shall 
I go?" ■ 

A black flag behold, as a flat boat draws 

nigh — 
'Tis no rose scent we breathe, nor yet 

Araby's sigh : 
Who are these? On the flag abolition ap- 
pears, 
And beneath, the proud name of Van 

Bmen it bears. 
Lo! John, the great "Prince," leads the 

ebony band, 
Whose loud strains of m,usic are borne to 

the land. 
While Hale, the immaculate, guides on 

its way 
The boat, to' the tune of "The Devil's to 

Pay." 



poor ghost; 
And Stevens is grave, as he ponders with 

pain 
On his long years of trial and labor in 

vain. 



'I'lius the grand panorama glides swiftly 
along, 

'ilid music and feasting, and revel, and 
song; 

Their banishment ended, they hurry 
away 

From the Salt River region, so pleasant 
and gay. 

But the quarters they left us, we doubt- 
less shall find 

Commodious and airy, and quite to our 
mind; 

For the Whigs— well they know it — like 
shrewd, cunning elves. 

Are famous for taking good care of them- 
selves. 



Away to the head of Salt River we go. 

Each heart bounding high with a patri- 
ot's glow. 

We're beaten— what of it? A good cause 
will ne'er 

Let its advocates sink into gloomy de- 
spair : 

Clouds break into sunshine — the darkness 
of night 

Is the prelude which ushers the dawning 
of light; 

And the spirit that iiuails not when ad- 
, verse fate lowers, 

Enhances its virtue^ increases its powers. 



277 



Then onward, on this the gieat cruise of 
our lives; 

And \vhene\^r we drink to our "sweet- 
hearts and wives," 

Let us offer a prayer that the Power 
above 

Wil! carefully guard the dear land of our 
love ; 

That no spirit of discord may sever the 
chain, ' 

But the bond of our Union unbroken re- 
main; 

And the banner of freedom be ever un- 
furled, 

The light of all nations, the hope of the 
world. 



Fr.im the Washington I'.r., Unl .n of Nov 25,1848. 
VIVE LA BAGATELLE— AGAIN. 



The poet of "Salt River" must be high- 
ly gratified to see the praises which are 
Un ished on his verses. They are in a 
course of republication in the democratic 
papers. They are much admired in the 
refined circles of Washington. Witty in 
themselves, they are like Falstaff"— the 
cause of wit in others. The following 
jeu d'esprit is the fruit of the inspira- 
tion which they have infused into Mr. 
Sawyer, of the Norfolk Argus: 

"We refer our readers to a spirited 
and piquant poetical sketch of a voyage 
up salt river, taken from the Washington 
Union. It aff'ords us much pleasure to 
announce to our friends the arrival of 
the steamer Free Trade, Cass master, at 
the head of Salt River, and give the fol- 
lowing extract from her log book: 

"Met steamer Whig, Captain Taylor, 
below Availability bar, where she had 
been aground since 1844, her crew in a 
state of mutin}', having thrown her old 
commander (Clay) overboard. We learn 
that Capt. Taylor succeeded in lighting 
his boat over the bar by throwing his en- 
tile cargo of notions overboard, and is 
now making arrangements to refit the 
old boat or build a new one ready for 
a trip up Salt river in 1852, where "he is 
bound to go. This mutiny grew out of a 
division of the spoils. A new shoal, 
c£'lled Wilmot point, has recently been 
discovered, which renders the navigation 
extremely dangerous, and many sawyers 
are found in the river. That faithful 
old pilot, Tom Herald, (editor of the Nor- 
folk Herald) refused to come down in the 
steamer Whig, stating that it was of no 
use, as he would have to return so soon. 
He is acting governor of the territory pro 
tem, on account of his faithful services 
to his old commander, Clay." 

HOMEWARD BOUND. 
A Salt River Lyric. 
To the Salt river's head, where our good 
bark lies moored. 



In a quiet, snug berth, by her anchors 

secured. 
And her flag floating gaily and free in 

the breeze. 
With her motto displayed, and her crew 

at their ease, 
A summons is borne on the wings of 

the air. 
As it comes in the sport of its revelry 

there. 
Which speaks to the heart, and awakens 

a glow. 
That repays, with its rapture, an exile 

of woe. 



Homeward Bound! is the word — and the 

boatswain's pipe shrill 
Calls each sleeper to join, with a voice 

and a will, 
In the wide-ringing chorus of glorious 

huzzas 
Which bursts from our lips on this 

proudest of days. 
Our quarters, commodious, are freely 

resigned. 
As our sails are all spread to the favor- 
ing wind. 
For we know they are coming, whose 

rights to this spot 
Are secured by prescription — and ours 

are not. 



Again o'er the waters our trim vessel 

speeds. 
Unharmed by past conflicts, prepared for 

new deeds 
Of valor and fame in the cause of the 

right. 
Whether conquering for truth, or o'er- 

powered by might: 
Her flag high aloft, as the gale bears 

her on, 
Sl.akes its gallant folds loose in the 

rays of the sun, 
And that banner, the ensign of glory, 

will ne'er 
Be sullied by falsehood, or lowered by 

fear. 



Our transit is rapid. 'Twas well that we 

sped 
With so little delay from the Salt river's 

head. 
For nearer and nearer already They 

come 
Who are bound to that region, the place 

of their home: 
But a brief time has passed since, with 

music and glee, 
They sailed, full of joy, on a smooth, 

glassy sea, 
To the haven of promise to find their 

hopes vain. 
And straightway embark for Salt river 

again. 



278 



The tirst who approach us seem gloomy 

and sad — 
Cai it be that such stricken ones ever 

were glad ? 
And a sulphurous odor is borne on the 

breeze 
As they near us, so strong- that it tempts 

us to sneeze. 
Whence conies it? 'Tis caused by the 

"Blue-Lights" they bear, 
And to which, like their "Blue Laws," 

they strictly adhere — 
An odd-tangled whim, but queer notions 

belong 
Tn the President's "Bay State," so fa- 
mous in song. 



Slowly and moodily upward they go, 
With Truman Smith looking the image 

of wo, 
As his thoughts wander back to the time 

when his skill 
Could trick Old Connecticut quite to his 

will. 
Hir power has vanished, for True Men 

are there. 
Ingenuous and honest, and strangers 1*1 

fear. 
Who thwart all his schemes, from his 

arts turn away, 
Xor value his "frank" at Eight Dollars a 

Day. 

A steamer approaches, the "Empire 

State" pours 
Out its thousands on thousands, to cover 

the shores 
At the head of Salt River, to wait for the 

day 
Which may never come nigh, to recall 

them away. 
And Seward, and Greeley and Raymond, 

and all 
The leaders and parasites, mighty and 

small, 
FpcI how weak and how vain their eft'orts 

an<l toilsj 
. To conquer the people, and fatten on 

"spoils." 



And here from the Hoosier State came up 

a throng; 
The Salt River forests to wander among; 
And a legion of coons, of all sizes and 

sorts, 
Are brought in their train to enliven 

their s])orts. 
'Tis the very |)lace for them — for coons 

of all grades 
For years had made famous the Salt 

River glades. 
Until last November we put them to 

flight;— 
The idea is good — Indiana's all W-Right. 



iho sound of a rifle gives note to the 
eai- 

That the sons of Kentucky are now draw- 
ing near. 
They loved their bold Clay, and, through 

evil and good. 
Came "up to the rack" where their great 

leader stood; 
But as to the fountain the pitcher may 

go 
FulToft ere it catches the last crushing 

blow. 
So "Kaintuck's bold hunters" at length 

see the daj' 
Wlien their Marshall is vanquished as 

well as their Clay. 



And here, from the far-famed and fair 

Tennessee, 
The State of the ardent, and gallant and 

free, 
A host are embarked for the Salt River 

shore. 
To return to their own native mountains 

no more. 
Tneir pilot is Brown, who looks won- 

drously Blue, 
At a contest so strange, and an issue so 

new. 
And thinks that a people must grievously 

Who a rough, hardy soldier to him could 
prefer. 



From the Chesapeake's shore, too, a The people were right— and all honor to 

sound is sent forth, thee. 

Of a -clipper," with coons just embarked Thou land of sound hearts and strong 

hands, Tennessee; 
From thee came a Jackson, whose patriot 

zeal 
Each wish and each want of his country 

could feel. 
Whose eyes never slumbered when danger 

was near. 
And 'whose courage ne'er faltered in 

dutv's career — 
He lived for the nation— and cherished 

will be 
His memory and fame, while that nation 

is free. 



for the North, 
'Tis of Baltimore build, and insured to 

hold way 
With the lightest craft launched on the 

Salt River spray; 
Old :Maryland, hail! In thy triumph we 

see 
What wonders we wrought by the bold 

and the free. 
And thy banished ones own, as they up- 
wards sail on, 
That the right cause has conquered, and 

justice been done. 



279 



And Polk, too, was thine, whose bright 

deeds liave a place 
On history's page that time ne'er can 

efface; 
^Mio ruled us in wisdom, and circled the 

n»Tr>e 
Ox our country beloved with the halo of 

fame; 
Who guarded our rights with a vigilant 

care, 
By slander unmoved, and unshackled by 

fear. 
Kis deeds his best monument prove — and 

they live 
Enshrined in a lustre no marble can give. 

'Twas meet that a State which such sons 

had bestowed 
On the nation, to serve and to govern for 

good. 
Should spurn the strong cords the design- 
ing would bind 
In venomous folds, to enfetter the mind; 
And nobly stand forth in defence of the 

cause 
Of justice and truth, equal rights, equal 

laws — 
And teach them that falsehood and fraud 

cannot be 
Tht passports to trust, with the pure and 

the free. 



And others are with thee. The word has 

gone forth 
In the East and the West, and the South 

and the North, 
And ]iroudlv our banner is steaming on 

high. 
Emblazoned in glory and light from the 

sky. 
It waves o'er bold hearts all resolved for 

the right, 
It waves o'er strong hands all prepared 

for the fight, 
And the spirit of justice will bear it 

sublime 
Through the crushing of worlds and the 

ruins of time. 



GRAHAM'S MAGAZINE. 
January, 1849. 



SOFTLY O'ER i\IY MEMORY STEAL- 
ING. 

Music composed for Graham's Maga- 
zine, by Professor John A. Janke, Jr.; 
words by Samuel D. Patterson. 
Softly o'er ■ my memory stealing 

Conies the light of other days, 
Visions of past joys revealing 

Lit by Hope's enchanting rays. 
'Twas in that blest time I knew thee 

And thy glance and gentle tone, 
Tiirill'd with magic influence tlirough me, 

Waking joys till then unknown. 



Time has sped with ceaseless motion; 

Chance and change have wrought their 
will- 
But my heart, with fond devotion, 

Clings to thee, belov'd one, still. 
Nor can life yield richer pleasure, 

Or a brighter gift impart, 
Then the pure and priceless treasure 

Of thy fond and faithful heart. 

HOME. 
By Samuel D. Patterson. 
Kome! there's magic in the word, 

A music in the soimd. 
Which makes the pulses of the heart 

With ecstacy abound ; 
And brings before the mental sight, 

A vision rich and rare. 
Of cheerful brows and smiles of light, 

^^'aiting to meet us there. 

'Tis sweet to gather roimd the hearth, 

'Mid winter's gloomy reign, 
The treasures God has gi\en to bless 

Life's wilderness of pain; 
When wife and children, and the friends 

We prize, assembled, pure 
Their kind affections, and bestow 

Fond words and looks of love. 

What though around, the hoarse wind 
wild 

Ir madden'd fury roars ; 
And on the frosty-fetter'd earth. 

An icy deluge pours; 
We reck not all the world without, 

Who see our world within, 
^\'llere childhood's laughing, mei'ry shout, 

Outrings tempest's din. 

And. oh! 'tis sweet, at day's decline, 

United to repair. 
Around the altar's sacred shrine. 

And pay our offerings there — 
To thank, with grateful hearts, that 
powei'. 

From wliom all good gifts come, 
An(' pray that he may freely pour 

New blessings on our home. 

That as we journey onward through 

Life's pilgrimage, our way 
May be illumin'd by the light 

Of life's celestial ray — 
And, when the last dark hour shall come, 

We, and the loved ones given 
By Him, may find another home. 

Lasting and ])ure, in Heaven. 

[April 17. 1S,50.] 

The following beautiful verses, written 
for the Washington Union, are from the 
pen of Col. Samuel D. Patterson, to 
whose poetical abilities the literary 
Morld is already much indebted. His 
"Voyage to Salt River," written immed- 
iately after (4en. Taylor's election, will 
\<,n<X be remembered as a monument of 



280 



liift penius, either poetically or politioal- 
Iv considered. 

OT.TR UNION. 
■'IMssolve this confederacy! — tear down 
the glorious Union under whose banner 
we liave advanced to such astonishing 
greatness, and made to ourselves a re- 
nown that causes every man who bears 
the name of American to be respected to 
tlie remotest corners of the world — which 
has secured peace and unbounded pros- 
perity at home! We cannot listen to 
such a proposition with indifference." — 
[Editorial in Washington Union of Aug- 
ust 24, 18.50.] 

What ! Break the ties asunder 

Which bind these States in one, 
And treat as an unworthy thing 

The prize oiu- fathers won ! 
Elot out the stars which clustering 

On fieedom's banner, pour 
Their light to guide the pilgrim's way 

To freedom's happy shore ! 

Say, shall that proud flag ever 

In bright fold cease to wave 
O CI sons united in its love, 

With fervent hearts and brave? — 
Sons who, no mean thoughts knowing, 

All narrow bounds discard. 
And North and South, and East and 
\^'est. 

Alike as home regard. 

Shall differing interests startle 

Fraternal love away 
And in vindictive, ruthless strife 

Friend against friend array ? 
Shall sacred ties be sundered — 

Jiroken all holy bands — 
And freedom's altar be profaned 

By rude and impious hands? 

It cannot be. Each nature 

Would shrink, each cheek grow pale! 
To deem that counsels such as these 

Should govern and' prevail. 
All patriot hearts would falter — 

All patriot eyes grow dim — 
For sadl.y from the ground would wail 

A nation's funeral hymn. 

Its dirge-like tones would utter 

Words of immeasured wo, 
\\']iich. echoing through the world, would 
mark 

Freedom's expiring throe; 
And tyrant voices then might swell 

Their chorus loud and free, 
In trium))h that our light was quenched 

In hopeless misery. 

Brothers ! let doom so dreadful 

Ne'er on our land be cast, 
To strain its future, and elTace 

The lustre of its past; 
Tiiat past with grateful memories stored, 



With glorious actions bright — 
E\ents transcending fiction's dreams 
Or fancy's loftiest flight. 

By all our fathers' trials, 

Their sufl'erings and their zeal — ■ 
By the sweet incense of the love 

We for their ashes feel — 
By all the bonds of kindred blood — 

By all our hopes of Heaven — 
Let us resolve to gvuird and save 

The freedom God has given! 

Pioudly among the nations 

Our glorious Union stands; 
Its ruin must not be the work 

Of parricidal hands. 
No ; perish every feeling 

That would its beauty mar, 
Or from its spangled flag of fame, 

Obliterates one star! 



THE BETTER WORLD. 

•'Oh that I had wings like a dove! For 
then would I flee away and be at rest." 
— I'salm iv, 6. 
Before me fairer prospects lie. 

In realms of pure, celestial bliss, 
Which amply shall repay each sigh 

I've breathed in such a world as this. 
As some tired bird with flagging king, 

Seeks out the quiet of its nest, 
So longs my anxious soul to fling 

Its cares away and be at rest. 

Ye bright and glowing stars which shine 

In the blue firmament above. 
Holding high watch in spheres divine — 

Spheres of eternal light and love — • 
Above, beyond thy mystic maze. 

Shall my enfranchised spirit, soar, 
And there, of living streams of grace 

Quaft' heavenly draughts, and thirst no 
more ! 

[The Weekly Press, September 24, 
185}*.] 

The following political and miscella- 
neous local poems are interesting and are 
the productions of native talent. It is to 
be regretted that their true names are 
unknown: 

POLITICAL. 



ACROSTIC. 



THE STATESMAN OF THE WEST. 



His genius sparkles in the Senate Hall — 
Enlightening nations, setting captives 

free ; 
Nor yet forgetful of the oppressed and 

poor. 
Regardless, still, of envy's darkest 

frowns. 
Yonder he stands, on fame's exalted top, 
Caressed in love bv thousands of the good. 



281 



Long may lie live to enjoy the world's 

esteem. 
And sliine with fadeless splendor. So 

shall 
Youth and age, alike, revere his name. 
MEMORIA. 
ilaston, July 5, 1832. 

To the Editor of the Whig: I send you 
for publication a song. There is truth 
in it, whatever may be said of the poetry. 
It will accommodate itself to several 
common and popular tunes, as "Auld 
Lang .Syne," "Coming Thro' the Rye," 
"The Preachers," "St. Clair's Defeat," 
etc. And it may perhaps accommodate 
itself to the feelings of many wlio, whilst 
true Democrats, have some misgivings 
as to that which in modern days asks to 
be so exclusively considered. 

H. W. D. 
SONG, 

L 

Xow here's a cup to Harrison, 

Here's to that hero bold; 
Glide faith I ken — an honest man 

Is better far than gold. 
Then join with me mine ancient friend 

In auld remembrance join — 
Here take a cup of kindness yet, 

For Auld Lang Syne.* 
2. 
When Proctor triumphed in the west. 

Then was a day of gloom — 
And many a gallant heart mun rest 

In Eaisin's bloody tomb. 
On whom did then that bleeding land 

In hour of need rely? 
Ah, who led on her gallant hand 

To fame and victory. 
3. 
And here's to you — and tell me true 

Where was VauBiiren then. 
When Harrison, with sword in hand. 

Led on his Western men ? 
The truth to tell, mine honest friend, 

He ne'er loved weapon-schaw,** 
But was mousing over petty schemes, 

An quibbles the Law. 
4. 
In days gone by — nor yon not I, 

Had ever dreamed to see 
Silk stocking Dandies held so high 

By stern Democracy. 
An gin' he be a Democrat 

The Diel mun be one too. 
An a'be gude Republicans, 

Among his long tailed crew. 

'Tis time my friend to judge of all, 

Na by their words — but deeds; 
And hold him for his country's friend; 

Who for that country bleeds! 
Make ready then along with me 

To breast Noxcmber's storm! 
Huzza for Oneral Harrison, 

For granger and Reform. 



* Repeat the four last lines of each 
stanza. 

* 'The military array, or gathering of 
a country in arms. 

September 28, 1836. 



BATTLE OF TIPPECANOE. 



Dark hung the night o'er Tippecanoe, 
O'er Wabash's tide the darkness flew, 
And Prophet's Town in midnight hue 
Was shrouded deep and gloomily. 

Calm pass'd their waters, rolling on, 
And not a murmuring sound was known, 
Nor rolling Drum nor winding horn, 
Disturb'd the deep tranquility. 

But morning brings another sight. 
Upon the Town fast rolls a fight. 
And through the Dawn's thick, hazy light 
Far rolls the sounding battle cry. 

Then as by magic art essayed, 
From every point a war fire blazed 
And Indians yelling fury, raised 
Their hosts to battle's revelry. 

The Battle join'd with furious roar. 
Artillery red Hash'd bright afar 
And muskets pealing notes of war, 
Dealt death with fierce rapidity. 

Then shook old Wabash's rolling tide. 
And Tippecanoe's meek stream replied, 
Alike disturb'd; and onward hied 
Red with the blood of chivalry. 

Loud roll'd the Battle o'er the field. 
Where Harrison's battalions wheel'd 
And many men and Banners reel'd 
Throughout the fierce contested fray. 

Now fight Kentucky's heroes brave. 

On high Ohio's banners wave, 

And quick their homes and hearths to 

save. 
Rush Indiana's chivalry. 

The contest's fury onward flies, 
^^'hile thick the clouds of Battle rise, 
And wildly ring the savage cries. 
From neatli the dingy canopy. 

Upon a hill's o'erlooking brow, 
The Prophet sat; and loudly now 
Cries "Warriors charge, and Manitou, 
Will strike the pale face fearfully." 

Then shook Columbia's pennon bright, 
And tried was every foenian's might, 
Till Harriscm dash'd through the fight, 
And onward led to victory. 

Then loudly rang a j)iercing cry, 
Tlie routed Indians wildly fly, 
^^■hi!e kiird and wounded scatter'd lie, 
Spread o'er the field confusedly. 



Here, Oweu, Spencer, Warrick fell. 
And Davies' lame let history tell. 
Till fair Columbia's deepest fell. 
Shall echo with their chivalry. 

Now o'er the held our Banners shine, 
The glory Harrison is thine. 
And on thy Brow shall fame entwine 
Her Laurel wreath of victory. 

Rise, rise, thou chieftain, proudly rise, 
ihy country's calls and freemen's cries, 
Ring o'er the land and reach the skies. 
While telling of thy victory. 

Stand up thou veteran, while the names, 
(.)f Tippecanoe, Fort JNleigs and Thames, 
Sound far abroad and Fame proclaims, 
'I'hou art the people's champion. 



R. 



.Mav 13. 1840. 



THE HURRAH SONG. 



Hurrah! for General Harrison. 

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 
He is Columbia's chosen son; 

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 
He i.s the Hero of the Thames. 
From gratitude your votes he claims. 
Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 

Behold, he cometh in his might! 

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 
As wlien the British he did fight. 

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 
He comes to vanquish Matty Van 
The President on Hickory's plan, 
Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 

Hurra h ! Hurrah ! Hurrah ! 

Tiie laurels that his valor won. 

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 
Bdiiit to him as the chosen one, 

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 
To l.e the poor man's President, 
Just fit a helping hand to lent, 
Hurrali! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 

( oHie all ye good and honest men 

Hurrah! Hurrah! H u r rah ! 
From Mississippi to ]\laine 

Hurrah! Hurrah! Plurrah ! 
\(ite for the farmer of North Bend, 
And Mat Van Buren home be sent 
Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 

The cry is still they come! they come! 

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 
'lo save their country, friends and home; 

Hurrah! Hiu-rah! Hurrah! 
We'll vote for brave old Harrison, 
Who bravely fought and bravely won, 
Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 



His country's saviour he shiill be, 

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 
To guide the councils of the free, 

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 
Then let us ciioose brave Harrison, 
He is tlie "second Washington," 
Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 

Hurrah! Hurrali! Hurrah! 

P. W. 

[Nazareth, July 30, 1840.] 



"ULD ROUGH AND READY." 
Tune — "Yankee Doodle." 

Old "Rough and Ready" 

Can't be beat, 
'Tis vain for you to try it, 

He loves fair play 
And he'll not cheat 

to make a fortune by it. 

He's ever ready, always thar. 

His duty to perform, sir! 
He'll never flinch, nor jield an inch, 
To anything that's born, sir! 
Old "-'Rough and Ready" 
Can't be beat, etc. 

Tho' Jimin.y Polk, and other folk, 
May refuse to re-enforce him, 
He'll go ahead, nor care what's said, 
Tho' ev'ry knave may curse him. 

Old "'Rough and Ready" 

Can't be beat, etc. 

Our Presidents^ and other gents, 

May try to use him up, sir! 
'Tis all in vain, He's thar again, 
Old Zach will ne'er give up, sir! 
Old "Rough and Ready" 
Can't be beat, etc. 

The British tools, like other fools. 

Thought they would beat him surely, 
But fire and ball were not the all, 
To fix old Zach securely. 
Old "Rough and Ready" 
Can't be beat, etc. 

The Indians, too, made much ado. 

To trap old ''Rough and Ready," 
But 't wouldn't do, they rued it, too. 
For he was brave and steady. 
Old "Rough and Ready" 
Can't be beat, etc. 

The Rancheros then came to blows. 

As others did before them. 
They did their best, but like the rest. 
He death and slaughter bore them. 
Old "Rough and Ready" 
Can't be beat, etc. 

"Did wooden leg" he oft may beg, 
To have "old fool'" knock under, 

He's not my tame and timid game, 
But awav let's go his thunder. 



»83 



Old "Rough and Ready" 
Can't be beat, etc. 

Now Jimmy Polk, oh, what a joke! 

With others of his clan, sir! 
Would try his skill, old Zack to kill. 
But he was not the man, sir! 
Old "Rough and Ready" 
Can't be beat, etc. 

They, too, will find, if not quite blind, 
Old Zack is so tender, 
But "Rough and Ready" always steady, 
Never will surrender. 

Old "Rough and Ready" 

Can't be beat, etc. 

Now you, Jim Polk and other folk! 

Who would reduce his forces! 
He'll drive your mouse from your white 
house, 
As with a troop of horses, 
Old "Rough and Ready" 
Can't be beat, etc. 

We people say, he'll gain the day, 

As he had alway done it. 
Yes! yes! old Zack will drive all back. 
Or they, like Sant, must run it. 
Old "Rough and Ready" 
Can't be beat, etc. 

Now, President ! why was't you went. 
Such lengths against our man, sir! 
Your base intent has all been spent. 
To fix you like Sant Ann, sir! 
Old "Rough and Ready" 
Can't be beat, etc. 

Let Polk and Cass botli go to grass. 
And all who did stand by them. 
They'd ne'er relie\e, but trouble give. 
To our man, who did defy them, 
Old "Rough and Read}'" 
Can't be beat, etc. 

The time has come, when we, at home. 

Must follow other stations, 
By driving out, to the right-about. 
All who abuse their stations. 
Old "Rough and Ready" 
Can't be beat, etc. 

Our cf)imtry now, wise men allow. 
Should have an honest man, sir! 
Who'll lay aside all selfish pride. 
And do all the good he can, sir! 
Old "Rouah and Ready" 
Can't be beatj etc. 

Ovii- \\'ashington was the first one, 

Who serv'd bis country truly. 
And so old Zack will never lack, 
To cure what e'er's unruly. 
Old "Rough and Ready" 
Can't be beatj etc. 



Then here we go for an honest man. 
His name is "Rough and Ready," 
For he's the man, to rout the elan, 
Who for country are unsteady. 
Old "Rough and Ready" 
Can't be beat, etc. 

OLD NORTHAMPTON. 
Easton, July 4, 1848. 

MISCELLANEOUS LOCAL. 



LOTTERY SPECULATORS. 



Come let us hitch the pony up to our lit- 
tle cutter. 

And ride to town and buy a prize of 
Christian Jacob Hutter; 

And if we cannot suit ourselves, we'll 
pass by Jacob Butter's, 

And down we'll go that pretty walk to 
Michael Odenwelder's. 

And if we find no prizes there, w e'll be as 

stiff as sawyers; 
We'll crack our whip — away we'll go 

across to Davy Mover's. 
If Davy won't insure a prize, we will no 

longer bother; 
We'll keep the money in our purse, and 

then we'll try another. 

We then will cut it down the street and" 
call on Harry Hammon, 

But not a prize at all we found, nor noth- 
ing of that gammon — 

The one reply'd we'll have to go, 'tis 
nearly time for dinner— 

You know we'll have to stop once more 
and call on Tommy Gwinner. 

Ah! ah! thinks Tom, Pm sure they're 

seen th(ise "bread and butter 

slices. 
And now they're come to buj' of me, 

they're sure that I have prizes. . 
But in their cutter they did jump and 

wbip'd up little pony, 
And swore they'd stop once more, and 

that should be with Cooney. 

When Cooney s])i'd them before the door, 

he hopp'd round like a cricket; 
Said he. walk in, young gentlemen; Pm 

sure you want a ticket! 
Since we can't find no prize at all - 

good-bye you bloody sinner; 
\^'e'll now cut down to Washington Hall 

and there we'll have our dinner! 



Conundrums — ^\^ly is a lottery office 
like the hospital in the city of Philadel- 
phia'? D'ye give it \ip! Because many 
fools visit it. 

Why is a carriage crossing the Dela- 
ware bridge like a good story"? D'ye give 
it up'? Because it is well tol'd. 

January 18, 18.31. 



28+ 



CONUNDRUM. 



Lottery and Exchange Office, No. 153 
North Second street, Phihidelphia, di- 
rectly opposite the Buck tavern and 
Frankford stage office. 

1 wonder if those merry blades 
Who ranged all Easton through, 

On Lottery Speculation bent. 
Ne'er tasted "mountain dew?" 

I wonder if the wight who turn'd 

Their journey into rhyme, 
Admitting he had common sense, 

Will e\er soar sublime? 

1 wonder if so many lines 

Can anywhere be found, 
Wherein the charms of reason fall 

A sacrifice to sound? 

And kist, I wonder why he call'd 

One man a "bloody sinner," 
Say gifted bard, say was it not 

To make a rhyme for "'dinner?" 



Conundrum — Why is the author of the 
conundrum, reflecting on the inmates of 
the Philadelphia Hospital, like a penni- 
less beggar? D'ye give it up? Because 

he had no cents (sense). 

UNION CANAL L0TTJ!.RY. 



Class number two, for 1831, to be 

drawn at the Philadelphia Arcade, on 

Saturday, the 29th instant. Sixty-six 

number lottery — nine drawn ballots. 

ALL PRIZES! ! NO BLANKS! ! ! 

BRILLIANT SCHEME. 

One prize of $30,000. 1 do. $20,000. 1 
do. $lu.OOO. 1 do. $5,000. 2 do. $3,fl30. 5 
do. $2,110. 5 do. .$2,000. 10 do. $1,000, 
etc. 

Tickets 10 dollars, shares in proportion. 

.■\11 orders for tickets (enclosing cash 
or prize tickets) will be thankfully re- 
(•ei\ed and piinctiuilly attended to if 
addressed to A. J. Bunn, number 153 
N't rth Second street, Philadelphia. 

January 25, 1831. 

On wings of science man attempts 
To soar above his fellow men, 

And knowing that his flight depends 
On the production of his pen. 

With eagerness he giasps the quill 
'i'o make a great, a grand display. 

Of mind and genius, wit and skill, 

.\nd move, whate'er obstructs the way. 

S(Miie high on fancy's pinions soar 
Beyond the highest top of fame. 

And here they fain would raise a tower. 
And thus achieve themselves a name. 



But fancy's wings, how soon they're 
lopp'd 
When science lifts her lengthen'd 
sword ; 
Their burden x\h! how soon 'tis dropp'd — 
Here's lost what ne'er can be re- 
stored. 

The man who thus himself sets free 
From rivals; mounts on vie'try's horns, 

Hence may poets disagree. 

And oft c(mtend for words and forms. 

Our friend and correspondent "Y," 
The spirit of the age has caught; 

Wherein his giant mind to try, 
In "X's" middle he has sought. 

His wisdom and discerning powers, 
Appear in all their lustre here; 

The labours of a few more hours. 
Will sham the learn'd Doctor Blair. 

An error lurking in the sense, 

The place of which he does explain; 

But 'tis not there, 'tis far from thence, 
'Tis lurking in his senseless brain. 

He condescends quite courteously. 

To take the Dutchman "as he means," 

Since, what he says does not convey 
The meaning, as to "Y" it seems. 

And yet what else can we expect ? 

When "Y" a Dutchman's riddle sees — 
That he should it at first correct, 

Before that he an answer gives. 

Yet fears he seems to entertain 
That he the author may mistake, 

That the Marauder may not gain. 
Occasion, aught therefrom to take. 

Directly, he to us doth show 
Him; and an honester purpose. 

And very kindly lets us know- 
That "some" think, as he also does. 

Since now such kindness we have seen, 
And to the Dutchman gentleness; 

Who could forbear to give to him 
Tlie pronoun my instead of his. 

And since the Dutchman's overcome 
He to the earth must prostrate fall, 

And sighing view the lofty dome, 
To which he sought, and lost his all. 

But n()l)U' "Y" lias here achiev'd, 
A vic'try which shall only end, 

When time shall have herself reliev'd 
From his and every poet's name. 

Z. 

|. January 25. 1831.] 



285 



■'I'd rather be a cat and cry mew! 
Than one of these ballad mongers." 

— Shakespeare. 

"Fools are my theme, let satire be my 

song." — Byron. 

Hail glorious bards! — bright candidates 

for fame! 
Whose numbers flow most lamentably 

lame — 
Hail enigmatic 'X' and solving 'Y', 
Why should you thus in clashing discord 

vie ? 
Say, wh}^ arouse the deeply rooted scorn 
Of him who talks of 'mounting vict'ry's 

horn?" 
Superb idea ! how worthy of thy head, 
Acute, expressive, meaphoric Zed! 
Nay, "Minor's self, who erst put forth his 

claim 
To no small share of literary fame — 
And Mr. 'LegaJ,' whose poetic cries 
Hath lately oped the 'Argus' hundred 

eyes — ■ 
With 'X' and "V and would-be-witty 

'Ben,' 
All shrink beneath thy energetic pen. 
Then pause not 'Z' — thy glorious course 

pursue 
Till bright Paranassus meets thy longing 

view ; 
Hasten thy flight — 'on fancj^'s pinions 

soar,' 
Higher than any goose e'er flew before. 
Each Dutchman proudly hails thy un- 
sought praise , 
And asses join in sympathetic brays; 
What would you more — encouragement 

so great 
Ne'er blessed the oflspring of old Homer's 

pate, 
For tho' the Greecian bard had common 

sense 
Vou scorn the gift-with Reason's self dis- 
pense. 
And thus prepared, assume the critic's 

tone. 
Find fault in others, but o'erlook your 

own 
() glorious Easton, what Prophet ever 

ever thought 
'J'hv sons would thus witli poetry be 

frauglitV 
That tluis the pot of genius should boil 
Spontaneous o'er your highly favoured 

soil ? 
And 0, most horrible! when some poor 

cit, 
First sees in print, the oflspring of his 

wit. 
Behold a critic Titan, from the earth 
Springs up and chokes the infant in its 

■ birtii ! 
Then in his turn the Titan's self is 

nail'd, 
One day assailing, and the next assail'd. 
Thus all pursue the chase with loud ac- 
claim. 



And each at length becomes ignoble 
game. 
Then babble on, and let your rhym- 
ing rage 
Still prostitute our literary age; — 
And if the wise withhold you their 

praise 
And criticism scorns your mongiel bays. 
Seek thou of fools the prize of high re- 
nown, 
Receive from them the intellectual crown, 
And let each dunce, to compensate your 

pains, 
Bestow his smiles on your unenvied 
strains. E. 

See the effusion of "Z" in the Whig, 
published on the 25th ult., verse five. 
I February 8, 1831.] 

ANTICIPATIONS OF THE FUTURE. 



A few more cheerless winters — a few 
more heating snows, 
And life, with ail its trying scenes (to 
me at least) will close 
'ihe toilsome cares of earth will pass, as 
vapiiurs in the wind. 
And death will sound his awful knell 
and tell me life must end. 

Farewell then, earthly pleasures (the 
meteor of the day) 
And unsubstantial bliss, adieu, for you 
too pass away; 
Your Meeting and delusive charms are 
transient as the morn. 
Which goes away obscured in clouds 
and hides behind the storm. 

'I'he ^\ heels of time are bounding on, and 
will cease to roll, 
'{"he bell that sounds my funeral dirge 
will soon begin to toll; 
The "cotiin, earth and winding sheet" will 
soon my scutchions be 
And time will soon, eternity, be wholly 
lost in thee. 

But shall I cast an eye of gloom tovards 
the mournful spot. 
\\'hcre, palled in death's cold embrace, 
tliese acti\e limbs must rot 
Sliall 1 reluctant, count my years and 
see they're passing by 
And still with eager grasp hold on to 
lite, and dread to die! 

Ah no, the Son of (iod was slain, that 
sinners still might live, 
And from this sacred work proclaims 
"T freely will forgive" 
He laid him down within the tomb — but 
soon we see him rise, 
.And having drawn the string of death 
— triumphant mount the skies. 

Then I'll not fear the gloomy path— its 
terrors are removed. 



286 



It leads to bliss beyond this life — to 

joys reserved above. 
Let all death's billows o'er me flow — let 

wave still follow wave 
Amidst the storm I'll hear Him say: 

"I still have power to save." 

Then, on an Angel's pinion borne, I'll 
mount the upper skies, 
And with the thousands round the 
throne, who never (there) will die 
Recount the wonders of his grace, and 
tell my story o'er, 
How Jesus saved me by his grace — and 
saves me evermore. 

MEMORIA. 
[June 26, 1832.] 



I AM AN AMERICAN. 

I love the land that gave me birth — 
The fairest of this wide-spread earth; 
'Tis freedom's home — the tyrant-'s dread, 
From which oppression once has fled. 

I love to wander o'er her hills, 
And trace her gently winding rills ; 
To see her fields and meadows round 
With golden harvests richly crowned. 

I see, too, from her altars rise, 
In grateful offering to the skies; 
From all her temples — all her parts 
The incense of a million hearts. 

Hail! Happy land, in thee alone, 
The way-worn pilgrim finds a home. 
From tyrants and from despots free, 
And tastes the sweets of liberty. 

One blot, alone we still retain, 
The black-man groans beneath his chain, 
And freedom's flag, though waving high. 
Is sullied with a crimson dye. 

Go, sons of freedom, seek and find, 
In sun-lit Africa's golden clime 
A home for Ham's dejected seed. 
Where Negroes live unshackled — freed. 
MEMORIA. 
[July 3, 1832.] 



THE WANDERER. 



See, where in gloom, he wanders 
From home, that once was dear, 
Nor in his heart, he ponders 
A parent's falling tear. 

A mother's heart yearns o'er him, 
Her sighs pursues his track; 
A sister still bemoans him. 
And seeks to bring him back. 

We loved him, while in childhood 
He was a friend most dear; 
And when advanced to manhood, — 
A brother still was near. 



Together in sweet harmonj^, 
\^'e hailed each rising day; 
IJut now our path is lonely — 
Our brother's far away. 

He mingles among strangers, — 
His tears are shed alone; 
He travels among dangers, — 
Far, far away from home. 

He once was gay and cheerful 
His cheerfulness has fled; 
He is now is faint and fearful — 
His heart is filled with dread. 

Oh haste thee back my brother. 
Nor stay no longer — no 
Come cheer thy failing mother, 
Ere death shall lay her low. 

Behold her tears of sorrow. 
And hear that heeding sigh, 
Oh haste thee, or tomorrow. 
We close her languid eye. 

Come now, or earth will never 
Behold our mingled tears; 
For sooii we'll meet together. 
Beyond the vale of tears. 

There naught shall part us longer, 
Nor death dissolve the ties. 
That binds our hearts yet stronger. 
Together in the skies. 

MEMORIA. 
[Easton, July 10, 1832.] 



HOME. 
How brief are the pleasures life's journey 

affords. 
To earth's hapless children — her slaves 

and her lords; 
How dark is the pathway through which 

we must roam, 
To find in the graveyard a long dreary 

home. 

How big are the tear drops that steal 

from our eyes. 
As we look through a vista of years to 

the skies. 
And reflect on the past, as we wander 

alone. 
Through a desert-like world, to that 

heavenly home. 

Life's sorrows, like ocean in troubled 

array, 
Engulph us in darkness, where no light 

of day 
Oilds the journey of life, while we travel 

in gloom. 
Nor points to the Mansion prepared for 

our home. 

We move for a moment in circles of joy, 
And we revel in pleasure that has no al- 
lov; 



287 



But the cold hand of sickness points down 

to the tomb, 
And says in low whispers, "This is not 

thy home." 

We start in the morning of life with de- 
light, 

And we run tow'rds the goal and rejoice 

in our might; 

But the chill winds of even soon murmur 
our doom. 

And tell us where pilgrims are always at 
home. 

Then hasten ye moments, and linger no 

more. 
Bear me on with delight 'till the warfare 

is o'er. 
Till I rest with the weary where all 

things are sure, 
And the home of the Christian shall ever 

endure. 

When* peace shall be lasting, and day 

without night, 
Where hope is forgotten, and faith turned 

to sight, 
Where tears flow no more, and the exile's 

at rest, 
In the home of the pilgrim — the land of 

the blest. 

MEMORIA. 
Easton, August 9, 1832. 



SUNSET. 
How sweet 'tis to wander at closing of 
day 
'Mid scenes of retirement — far from the 
hum 
Of busy commotion — to kneel down and 
pray 
That the will of "Our Father" on earth 
may be done. 

How cheering to gaze on the glories dis- 
played. 
By the sun's setting splendid — far, in 
the west 
When his bright noonday beams are in 
milder tints laid. 
As he sinks in his own native beauties 
to rest. 

0, that is the hour the reflecting mind 
loves 
In sweet meditation their thoughts flit 
away 
From the world's vain allurments to 
scenery above. 
Where the light of eternity ne'er known 
decay. 

The world's boasted pleasures — how 

short lived are they 
They fade as the rainbow or set with 

the sun, 
But hope points us on tow'ds a far 

brighter day 



Which forever in heaven will be but 
begun. 

There suns never set, and the day knows 
no close 
And the fadeless effulgence still beams 
from the throne 
While the souls of the righteous have 
endless repose 
And enjoy such delights as earth never 
has known. 

Then roll on, orb of day, 'till thy settings 
are done 
And eternity calls thee to rise to the 
sky. 
Where the blaze shall be lost in the 
beams of that Son 
Whose brilliance ne'er fades and whose 
tints never die. 

MEMORIA. 
Easton, September 22, 1832, 



THE MOTHER. 

Wlio was it that watched o'er my infan- 
tile years ? 

And hushed every sigh — wiped away all 
my tears, 

Who was it protected in childhood's weak 
hour. 

When storms beat round me and tem- 
pests did lower? 

Who was it that taught me to lisp a fond 
name, 

And call for my "mother" when sorrow 
or pain 

Tore my labouring bosom with bitterest 
grief. 

And no other source could afford me re- 
lief? 

Who was it procured me my wants and 
my ease, 

(Through poverty's vale, too, she strug- 
gled for these) 

And made my life happy and caused me 
to see, 

Perspective enjoyments? My Mother 
'twas thee. 

Who was it when sickness confined nie in 
bed, 

Angel-like, on her bosom supported my 
head, 

And wiped the cold dew from my death- 
stricken face, 

And pressed me yet closer in anxious em- 
brace 

And when the glad symptoms of health 

came again. 
Who was it rejoiced at my freedom from 

pain? 
And looked with delight to the time 

when her cares 
Might rest on the child she had watched 

o'er with tears. 



'I was thou, fondest mother, who watched 

o'er my youth 
And guided my feet in the pathway of 

truth— 
To look, for protection, to Heaven's own 

hands, 
And taught me submission to all his 

commands. 

May thy life be as long as to me it is 

dear, 
And the sun of thy days ever shine bright 

and clear. 
And when they are ended on earth, then 

may 1 
Embrace thee, my mother, where friends 

never die. 

MEMORIA. 
[Easton, Sept. 26th, 1832.] 



LINES. 



Written on a visit to Scotch Plains, 
New Jersey, after an absence of many 
years. 
O, ye lovely scenes, the scenes of youth, 

I visit ye again. 
And my wondering eyes delighted trace, 

your green and sunny plain; 
I can see the very garden walks in in- 
fancy I roved, 
And can hear, me thinks, the very birds 

whose early songs I loved. 
There's nothing changed, I still can see 

the field I joyed to stray, 
Ere the crowded haunts of men I sought, 

and grew as cold as they, 
O, there's nothing changed, delightful 

scenes, there's nothing changed in 

thee. 
The air as sweetly glides along, o'er bow- 
er, brook and tree, 
The flowers spring beside the road, 

where nosegays I have made. 
And from the very stems, indeed, in 

blossoms still arrayed; 
There's not a house and scarce a tree, 

but I remember well. 
There's not a wicket but to me some 

childish tale could tell, 
But where my infant playmates are, O, 

there's the lonely change. 
I see them not, They're past away, and 

every hand is strange; 
There's scarce a smile to welcome me, 

not one that used to beam, 
In childhood's hour, as gay as mine, when 

life was all a dream — 
A dream of fairy happiness — but 0, how 

soon to fade! 
And leave a blight upon the heart, that 

festers in the shade. 
The hours of Youth, how calm and sweet, 

when all the world is fair, 
And boyhood's tranquil brow hath felt, 

no trace of dark despair — 
O, 'tis the happiest time of life, so art- 
less and so gay, 



Its very memory afterward, should chase 

the tear away; 
But O, that memory brings us back the 

blighted hopes and dreams 
That have forever past away, like bub- 
bles on the streams — 
The gentle streams whose flowery banks 

our early feet have prest, 
\\'hile their waters softly murmuring, 

have soothed the guileless breast. 
(), where are they? yet, where are they, 

the lovely and the fair, 
They've mingled with the world like me, 

but all is coldness there. 
And sorrow may have marked their 

brows as it has wrinkled mine, 
For Pleasure's golden chalice still, is 

filled with poisoned wine, 
And some are not, who once were gay, 

and some who are, are sad. 
There's little in this world to make the 

wounded spirit glad 
And some have known the smile of 

wealth and some the cheerless wo, 
Of sorrow, pain and poverty, and all the 

ills we know 
Yet could we all together meet, how 

strange the tale would be. 
We might relate to others' ears, where 

once we danced in glee; 
But this will not, this cannot be, — no, 

never be again— 
Our feet can ne'er together press, again 

our native plain. 
And though the very flowers bloom, 

around the school house green. 
That many a young delighted eye in oth- 
er days hath seen. 
We never more shall laugh in joy, as 

when with fancy gay, 
W^e gathered on that school house green, 

and joined in frolic play. 

VISITOR. 
[June 18, 1833.] 



ON THE BATTLE OF TRENTON. 



The whistling wind was loud and cold. 
And through the night roar'd drearily; 

When Freedom's host and chieftains bold, 
For Trenton's fight march'd cheerily. 

The Delaware, fierce, was rolling by, 
The ice was crashing fearfully; 
Its deaf'ning roar ascending high, 
^^'as heard by them undauntedly. 

Bravely they stem the roaring tide. 
And o'er it urge quite fearlessly 

And as through the dang'rous stream 
they ride, 
Loudly they shout "for Liberty ?" 

Safely they pass the crushing ice, 
And forming into war's array 

"For Trent(tn" now their chieftain cries, 
"There, there, to strike for Liberty." 



They march, and just at morning's dawn, 
They meet their foe exultingly 

With weary limbs the fight they join 
Their battle cry is "Liberty." 

The Hessian sentinels, dismay'd 

Perceive their foe, "to arms" they cry 

Each warrior grasps his battle blade 
And hastes to join the bloody fray. 

Heedlessly the fight they join, 

"God for St. George" they loudly cry 

Confus'd, surpris'd, they hurry on. 
And o'er them Britain's banners fly. 

Men rush on men their bay'nets gleam 
And swords on swords clash furiously; 

And soon from wounds the crimson stream 
Of blood, is flowing rapidly. 

Heavy the deep mouth's cannons roar, 
And loudly peals the musketry 

The sound of battle rolling far 
Told of the bloody revelry. 

Thick rolls the smoke the banners fly, 
And Freedom's sons shout Victory, 

And o'er the plain soon thickly lie. 
The dying slaves of tyranny. 

The carnage o'er, the battle's won. 

The foe are flying rapidly; 
And 'round their leader, Washington 

His men are crowding joyfully. 

Above their heads with fitful gleam, 
Columbia's waving banners fly 

And Trenton's fight has deck'd with fame 
The diadem of Liberty. 
Aug. 27, 183.3. Henry. 



PRAYER. 



Go when the morning shineth 

Go when the moon is bright 
Go when the eve declineth, 

Go in the hush of night 
Go with pure mind and feeling, 

Fling earthly thoughts away 
And in thy chamber kneeling 

Do thou in secret pray. 

Remember all who love thee. 

All who are loved by thee 
Pray for those who hate thee 

If any such there be; 
Then for thyself in meekness 

A blessing humbly claim 
And link with each petition 

Thv great Redeemer's name. 



Or if 'tis ere denied thee. 

In solitude to pray, 
Should holy thoughts come o'er thee, 

When friends are round thy way; 
E'en the silent breathing, 

Of thy spirit raised above. 
Will reach his throne of glory 

Who is Mercy, Truth and Love. 

Oh ! not a joy or blessing. 

With this can we compare 
The poMer that he hath given us 

To put our souls in prayer. 
When'er thou pinest in sadness 

Before his footstool fall 
And remember in thy gladness 

His grace who gave thee all. 
[September 3, 1833.] 



Lines suggested by visiting the grave- 
yard at Bethlehem, Pa., a short time 
since. 

In Beth'lem's graveyard sad I stood 
My heart oppress'd with gloom 

And there with rapid glance survey'd 
Man's resting place — the Tomb. 

Thick rose the graves and many bore 

An aged tombstone gray 
Which on its time worn face proclaim'd 

The dead's short history. 

As 'mong the tombs I slowly trod. 

And o'er them cast my eye. 
It seem'd as though I heard from them, 

The words "thou too must die." 

I pass'd the graves where forms once fair 

And lovely, mould'ring lay; 
They who wore beauty's brightest garb 

Here crumble to decay. 

Once they were gay, with beauty deck'd 
Bright was their youthful bloom, 

Death came^ the "King of Terrors," spoke 
They sunk into the tomb. 

Here too among the sleeping dead, 
Were many strangers' graves 

Who from far distant climes had come 
Beyond Atlantic waves. 

They left their friends, they cross'd the 
deep 
And dwelt from home afar 
They've gone, they sleep, and o'er their 
tombs 
The stranger drops a tear. 

Beth'lem's graves told to my soul. 

All we can call our own, 
Is coffin, shroud, and winding sheet, 

And the damp silent Tomb. 



290 



Farewell ye slumb'ring dead farewel/ 

Sleep on in peace to rise, 
When Gabriel his trumpet sounds, 

To call vou to the skies. 

HENRY. 

[September 3, 1833.] 



The following splendid piece of poetry, 
the production of a lady of this place, we 
copy from the last number of the Presby- 
terian : 

THE MISSIONARY TO AFRICA. 

Lines to the Rev. Mr. Laird, missionary 
to Africa, on hearing his farewell address 
before the Brainard Society of Lafayette 
College,Easton, Pa. 
Go, thou messenger of heaven. 
Bound for Africa's burning shore; 
Tell of sins by blood forgiven. 
Take the heaven-sent messenger o'er. 

Some will listen, 
Tell the tidings o'er and o'er. 

Home and country — would they bind 

thee ? 
Would they urge thy guilty stay ? 
Look not, look not once, behind thee, 
Onward — onward lies thy way; 

Farewell, stranger. 
Hasten, onward lies thy way. 

Do a mother's arms enfold thee? 
Do they clasp thee to her heart? 
Let not fond affections hold thee. 
Louder duty calls, depart. 

Duty calls thee. 
Herald of the cross— depart. 

Dost thou dread the restless ocean? 
Safely o'er thy bark shall ride; 
Fear not then its wild commotion. 
He who rules its waves — thy guide; 

At His bidding. 
Wildest tempests must subside. 

Dost thou fear the with'ring pow'r 
Of the tropics sick'ning ray ? 
Dost thou dread the midnight hour? 
Deserts lone — and beasts of prey? 

Trembling stranger 
Trust — not lonely is thy way. 

Israel's cloudy veil will shade thee 
From the noonday's dazzling light; 
Israel's burning pillar lead thee 
Through the desert's darkest night; 

Trust the promise, 
God — thy God, will be thy light. 

Go in faith — thou silent weeper, 
Sow thy precious Gospel seed. 
Thou shalt come a joyful reaper. 
Souls thy harvest — Heaven thy name; 

Faithful laborer 
Go and sow the Gospel seed. 



May the God of light protect thee, 
Favoring gales thy canvas swell, 
]\Iay his grade and power direct thee, 
And His Spirit with thee dwell; 

May He bless thee. 
Go in peace — farewell, farewell. 
October 8, 1833. 

A DIRGE. 



By the Rev. G. Croly. 
''Earth to Earth and Dust to Dust," 
Here the evil and the just, 
Here the youthful and the old. 
Here the fearful and the bold; 
Here the matron and the maid, 
In one silent bed are laid; 
Here the vassal and the king 
Side by side lie withering. 
Here the sword and sceptre rust, 
"Earth to earth and dust to dust." 

Age on age shall roll along. 

O'er this pale and mighty throng; 

Those that wept and those that weep, 

All shall with these sleepers sleep. 

Brothers, sisters of the worm. 

Summer's sting, or winter's storm, 

Song of peace, or battle roar. 

Ne'er shall break their slumbers more, 

Death shall keep his sullen trust, 

"Earth to earth and dust to dust." 

But a day is coming fa,st. 
Earth, thy mightiest and thy last! 
It shall come in fear and wonder: 
Heralded by trump and thunder — 
It shall come in strife and toil; 
It shall come in blood and spoil — 
It shall come in empire's groans. 
Burning temples, tumbled thrones — 
Then ambition, rue thy lust! 
"Earth to earth and dust to dust." 

Then shall come the judgment sign, 
In the east the King shall shine — 
Flashing from Heaven's golden gate, 
Thousand thousands round his state — 
Spirits with the crowns and plume 
Tremble then thou sullen tomb? 
Heaven shall open on our sight 
Earth be turned to living light. 
Kingdom of the ransom'd Just! 
"Earth to earth and dust to dust." 

Then thy mount Jerusalem, 
Shall be gorgeous as a gem; 
Then shall in the desert rise 
Fruits of more than Paradise — 
Earth by angels' feet be trod. 
One great garden of her God! 
Till are dried the Martyr's tears 
Through a thousand glorious years; 
Now in hope of him we trust, 
"Earth to earth and dust to dust." 
April 1, 1834. 



291 



LINES 

•it ten bj' request for the students of 
ifayette College and sung at the anui- 
rsary of the Literary Societies on the 
h of July, 1834: 
Columbia! Columbia! 

Why weepest thou now? 
Why bind with dark cypress 

Thy beautiful brow '! 
This day of rejoicing, 

The laurel might be, 

More fitting adornment. 

Young nation for thee. 

look, in thy grandeur 

Rejoicingly forth, 
The winds waft thee treasures 

From South and from North, 
Thy hast mines in thy mountains — 

And tlocks on the plain, 
And thy navies float proudly. 

At home on the main. 

rhy harvests are bending. 

Like gold in the breeze; 
rhy fruits in their fragrance, 

Hand bright on the trees, 
rhy daughters are lovely, 

Thy sons — they are free, 
^Lnd despots may tremble 

While gazing on thee. 

3! things, and tidings. 

Have come to our shore, 
rhe friend of our need 

Lafayette is no more. 

When foes were around us 

And help we had none. 
He flew to our rescue 

Unaided, alone. 

jreat Sun of two worlds, 

Shall thy freedom-li-ray 
Jnheeded, unsung. 

Pass in brilliance away? 
iVhile nations awaking. 

Have seen by its light 
rhat chains were around them, 

And blushed at the sight? 

\nd shall not a tear 

To his memory be given, 
rhe angel of freedom 

Vouchsafed us by heaven? 

In midst of our triumphs, 

shall there not be, 
)ne moment held sacred 

To sorrow and thee? 

fes, Columbis shall weep 

For the generous, the brave, 
rhe tears of her freemen 

Shall hallow his grave, 

May we be forgotten. 

If thee we forget, 
rhou friend of the friendless, 

Beloved Lafayette. 
July 8, 1834.] 



The following splendid poetry has been 
written for the celebration of the coming 
anniversary of the "Brainerd Missionary 
Society" of Lafayette College. 

It will be remembered that Easton, then 
called "The Forks of Delaware," was the 
principal station of the devoted mis- 
sionary of the cross, David Brainerd, for 
whom the society has been appropriately 
named, when he preached the glad tidings 
of salvation to the Aborigines of the soil, 
nearly a century since. — Ed. Whig. 

On a mount ,whose fair summit o'erlook- 
ed the dark wave 
Of the Delaware, rolling majestic away ; 
Where the Lehigh its tribute of bright 
waters gave. 
And the Bushkill leaped forth like a 
child at its play, 
Alone, in his sadness, a desolate sage 
Looked down on the scene through the 
mist of his tears; 
Though furrowed, his brow was not fur- 
rowed by age. 
Ah, many his sorrows, but few were his 
years. 

And weary and far was the way he had 
trod — 
And long had he labored; alas it was 
vain ! 
He led the dark sons of the forest to God, 
But oh ! they had turned to their idols 
again. 
He knelt iin the depths of his agony 
there ; 
And bitter and sad were the tears that 
he shed. 
As he poured forth his soul to the hearer 
of prayer, 
That his spirit might breathe on the 
desolate dead. 

For the heathen he wept ; for the heathen 
he prayed — 
And a rapture of peace to his bosom 
was given; 
While the finger of sleep on his eyelids 
was laid, 
The veil of the future before him was 
riven — 
And fair was the vision that rose on his 
sight ; 
And soft were the voices that whisper- 
ing stole 
Like dew when it falls on the flowers at 
night. 
Reviving, they fell on his sorrowing 
soul. 

then had some pitying angel been sent, 
A messenger missioned to dry up his 

tears, 
To show him the shade of each comiag 

event, 



292 



And point him away through the vista 
of 3'ears — 
Had lie seen on the spot by his sorrow 
bedewed, 
Tliis temple majestic in beauty arise; 
And heard in the tenantless lone solitude 
Your anthems of glory ascend to the 
skies! 

Though little his joy to have known that 
you bear, 
His name on the banner your faith has 
unfurled — 
But 0! had he known you to be Avhat you 
are. 
The heralds of hope to a perishing 
world ; 
In holiest rapture, his soul at the sight, 
Like Simeon's had long'd to be rid of 
its clay ; 
Forgetful of earth in its boundless de- 
light. 
Would gladly have soared to its glory 
away. 

On you rests his mantle — on you rests 
his name; 
The fervor and hope of his spirit be 
yours ; 
Like his be your courage in glory cs 
shame, 
And faith in his Saviour your triumpK 
secures ! 
Then Brainerds arise! 'tis that Saviour 
aloud. 
Commands you to gird on the conquer- 
ing swords ; 
And fear not — the heart of the fierce and 
the proud 
Shall bow at the feet of your crucified 

Lord. 
[March 11, 1835.] 



Exegit monumentum aere perrennius, 

Regalia siter pyramidum altins, 

Quod non imber edax, non aquilo impo- 

tens 
Possit diruere; aut innumerabilis 
Annorum series, aut fuga temporum. 

— Horace. 
Why are the hours of sleep not left 

alone, 
L^nburdened by the sunshine cares of 

life, 
In native solitude to pass in peace ? 
Oh! If the eyelids did shut out the 

world. 
Then sleep were sweet, and slumber want- 
ed rest ; 
But some divinity of soul, abstract, 
Not known in wakeful hours, communes 

with man. 
When in the imag'ry of death, he would, 
Forgetting earth, forgotten, be alone. 
Night is the oracle that tells unask'd, 
The mysteries of her own etherial realm, 
And eases reason of niyh half her toil. 



A dream — perchance 'twas dreampt in 

sleep — but dream. 
Or vision, or a something heard, or read, 
Directs my pen, as we are influenced here 
By causes unforseen; and tossed like 

ships 
By contrary winds, upon the sea of life. 

Me thought, on Ida's top a being sat 
In pensive loneliness, wrapt up in 

thought, 
And seemingly, embarrassed to a blush 
U'ith cogitations strangely new to man. 
His head, inclined by weighty thoughts 

within, 
Uplifting, he surveyed the adjacent 

scene, 
\Miere Lehi's waters meet the Delaware, 
And where their murmurings salute the 

ears 
Of people boroughed in the vale below. 
And first, he uttered a most dolorous, 
j\Iost piercing groan, because no gazer 

there 
Had ever penned the beauties of that 

place 
In "lasting Form" for other minds to 

enjoy. 
So philanthropic he, with ready pen, 
Well wet in poke-juice, thus the work 

beiian. 
Which seemed a chronicle, as found be- 
low. 
Down through the vista of old wornout- 

times. 
Scarce checked by Noah's flood he traced 

the scene. 
And saw Parnassus and her sister hills 
"Merge from the mighty deluge," then, 

faithful 
He attests, that streams rushed from 

their source 
And ran down hill to meet the ocean's 
wave. 
'A change come o'er the spirit of my 
dream 
And gloomy forests rose before his sight: 
Deer drank the waters, and old bruin 

growl'd. 
Soon came the Indian, whose imtemper- 

ate eyes 
Drank up the scene, and for the draught 

he paid 
The Great Spirit praise. Up rose the 

wigwam. 
And council fires now gleamed upon the 

wave; 
The feathered Indian now stole through 
the glade, 
'A change came o'er the spirit of my 
dream. 
The Friend smoked peace pipes with the 

Indian, 
Who, breathing air in ignorance before, 
Was almost stranger to the peace of 

smoke. 
The Friend soon drove the Indian far 
away; 



293 



And in the course of time the Old Point 

Tavern 
Rose, (which seemed the focus of the 

writer's hopes; 
Its scenes of yore, of jolity and fun, 
Seemed quite to wrap in rapture all his 

soul, 
And make him pray for large descriptive 

powers). 
There, all the ancient worthies of the 

place 
Assembled nightly. There Shook, — 

"that prince of hosts 
And king of wags" in full commissioiij 

brought 
Old madeira up. Our worthy fathers, 
Our sober, our respected sires, thera 

played 
On "all fours" (just as modern monkiea 

might ) 
And like them, lightly laughed to hear a 

gun. 
Go off, or see a card or tumbler fall. 
Good Shook, with laughter shook his 

sides, when rum 
Shook reason out, and high his cholor 

rose 
When any one, not drunk, was sad with- 
in. 
Thus qualified, to graver matters now 
They turned. Affairs of State were wise- 
ly scanned, 
And each momentous question sifted 

well. 
Nor did they fail on much contested 

points, 
To count the ayes the voting bullfrogs 

gave. 
And then too, in that spirit stirring 

time, 
When for her rights our infant nation 

strove. 
Some glorious victory would reach their 

ears, 
Both frogs and fathers, they would raise 

a shout 
(Each one "se inflans" as the poet says,) 
As patriotic as the 'bumpers quaffed' 
Were large; — for then no temperance 

pledge 
Did gauge a glass, nor 'good society' 
Make ungenteel the mystic 'hug-em-snug.' 
Now Penn's old swivel told the parting 

boat. 
And wives, and children took a sad fare- 
well. 
Again, the maidens on the shore would 

greet 
With welcomes kind, and osculations 

sweet, 
Our fathers' safe return whose thirsty 

eyes 
Most steadfast looked at beer casks on 

the shore. 
But now no swivel's find — no tears are 

shed, 
To soothe the hardships of the boatman's 

life; 



For girls, no sailors, safe within the 

house. 
Leave coal and boxes to fill up the 

wharf. 
'A change came o'er the spirit of my 
dream' ; 
And like a carpet, spread beneath his 

feet 
A prosperous Borough lay. Canals and 

locks. 
And weigh-locks, basins and bridges, 

steeples. 
And enormities like these, destroyed the 

view ; 
But thanks to Heaven's all strong pre- 
serving power, 
The mountains are not blown away or 

moved. 
Nor has the Delaware run out its track! ! 
Here was the Finis of the 'lasting' tale ; 
To say farewell, me thought the being 

rose. 
And sealing twice the history he had 

writ, 
With deifying capitals within, 
And praying future chronicles to read. 
Was 'lost in all but spirit;' nor surmise. 
Strange, (like Orpheus' lyre for having 

played so well) 
Was made a star, whose friendly visit 

late, 
To gaze on the 'sweet spot' some dullards 

call'd 
A comet, come to burn the world with 

fire. 

S. N. D. 
[Easton, Nov. 25, 1835.] 



EASTON, PA. 

Hail, Easton, hail! The lyre is strung 

for thee! 
Daughter of beauty! in thy vale se- 
rene! 
Girt by the mountain peaks, and fair 

they be 
As are thy rivers with their silver 

sheen. 
That pay their tribute to the mighty 

sea — 
With inland navies tracing valleys 

green ! 
Hail! Easton, hail! — permit the music 

to bring 
To thee her first but faithful offering. 

Thou sit'st beneath the white clouds of 
the sky; 
Whose azure brightness all the senses 
please ; 
Like some fair bird descended from on 
high 
To sing its carols mid the woodland 
trees. 
Gem of the hills! — thou charmest the 
wand'rer's eye 
While Health roves playful on the 
balmy breeze, 



294 



And her pure spirit like the happy dove 
Hallows the green fields of her early love. 

Temples to Him who made thee what 

thou art, 
Who gave thy hills their verdure and 

their bloom, 
Who bade the fountains thee their gifts 

impart 
Who filled the air with summer's soft 

perfume. 
Temples to Him — who rules the human 

heart 
From dawn till eve — the cradle to the 

tomb ; 
Rear their gay spires, pointing to the 

sky 
The home of Truth — of Love — of Deity. 

And science too hath reared her classic 

pile — 
High towering stand her academic 

groves, 
O'erlooking thee^ as with a sage's smile, 
She'd beckon all to climb the hill she 

loves.* 
And merry youth and beauty's eyes be- 
guile 
At evening's hour the pathway leisure 

roves, 
And plenty crowns thee with the rolling 

year, 
With summer joys and winter's stores to 

cheer. 

The rushing Lehigh sweeps thy southern 
shore, 
The torrent Bushkill laves thy north- 
ern bound, 
Along thy east the Delaware doth pour 
Her roaring waters with commingled 
sound; 
While sportive skiffs are lightly roaming 
o'er. 
The restless current as it dances 
round — 
Where once the Indian in his frail canoe 
Hath gamboll'd on the watery surface 
too. 

His son hath cease! — no more he wakes 

to ire 
No more he reveals on thy banks or 

stream 
No more he lights his mystic council 

fire — 
Or treads his war dance by its fitful 

gleam. 
His form departed — as the sparks ex- 
pire, 
Or as the startled shadows of a dream, 
And wealth and art have reared their 

temples where 
The wolf and panthers slumbered in their 

lair. 

The stately mansion marks the wander- 
ing view. 



The hum of business falls upon the ear, 
The massy bridges strike the fancy too 
That sweep o'er every gushing river 
near — 
Then Easton hail! — long may the arts 
pursue 
A worthy pathway — and increased ca- 
reer; 
And health and plenty mark thy onward 

way. 
Till Time shall cease to usher in the 
day. W. 

*"0h who can tell how hard it is to climb 
The hill where fam's proud temple stands 
afar." 
[December 2nd, 1835.] 



TO CUPID ON HIS RECENT ILEVA- 
TION. 



Dear Cupid! since by just award, 
Our wise Town Council did accord, 
That you should be the sovereign Lord 

Of this great town; 
Let me my humble praise record, 

'Tis all thine own. 

I prise thee, not, that thou art great, 
But that thou fillest the chair with 

weight, 
And that thou justly doomest the fate 

Of rogues is seen, 
And, that, thy Peers have crowned that 
pate 
With Laurels green! 

Cupid! before thy stately thread, 

'J'he naughty boys shall flee with dread, 

The homeless vagrant bend his head, 

And own thy*pow'r 
And at thy frown shall tears be shed. 

When it doth low'r! 

Cupid! thy shafts each rogue shall goad, 
The fishman with his stinking load, 
The butcher with his stall ill stowed, 

And three day veal ; 
And pigs invading the high road 

Thy power shall feel. 

Cupid! those sparks who now delight 

To vex the quiet ear of night 

By singing glees with all their might, 

Through our grave City; 
Thou'lt turn their glee into affright. 

And doleful ditty! 

Thou'lt make them quaver when they 

sway. 
Invades the tenor of their way. 
And makes them treble costs to pay, 

For their cursed din; 
Or Christian leads them base away, 

And bars them in ! 

Cupid ! those rogues who boxes take, 
And bridges build and lanterns break, 



295 



And those who love to kill a snake, 

And make worm fences; 
You'll find for them, or I mistake. 

Their sober senses! 

Cupid! the civic wreath is thine. 
Long may thy deeds resplendent shine; 
Long may you hold the cat and nine, 

The rogues to score 'em; 
Long mayest thou wield the sword divine, 

And in terrorera! 

And now farewell; into thy charge. 
Secure we trust our town at large; 
Our roads and rivers, boat and barge. 

Our wives and chickens; 
No more we'll dread the rogues at large. 

As darkness thickens! 

[March 30, 1836.] 



HOME. 
"Home! sweet Home! 
There is no place like Home." 

How oft I reflect on the scenes of my 
childhood, 
The groves and the fields where the 
wild flowers grew — 
The lawns and the walks, and the thick- 
woven wildwood 
And the rural delights that my boy- 
hood knew. 

I remember the road with the carriage 
wheel roaring 
And the green waving willows, that 
hedged in the way 
The place where the bees the sweet honey 
were storing 
To crown our repast on a cold winter's 
day. 

Nor have I forgot when a shower was 
coming 
And I heard the loud noise of the winds 
in the trees 
How I ran by the log where the par- 
tridge was drumming 
And 'fore I got home was as wet as 
you please. 

I remember the old mansion we lived in, 
With the landscape of valleys and hills 
plain in view 
The grove and the lawn where the red 
robin built in, 
And the tree down the lane where the 
pineapple grew. 

'Neath the star-spangled sky in the big 
grassy meadow 
Where the nightingale warbled so 
sweetly his lay 
How oft in the muse of the moon's ample 
shadow 
I wondered at ease on the close of the 
day. 



And whence comes the cause of this 
happy enjoyment? 
Not the house nor the walks nor the 
prospects so fair, 
Not the orchards nor lawns nor playful 
employment — 
But the dearly loved ones of my bosom 
are there. 

These much-loved enjoyments how fair 
yet how fickle, 
They bud and they bloom like the 
flowers of May, 
But time and vexation thrust in the 
sharp sickle, 
They're cut down and wither and fade 
in a day. 

Thus I meditate oft on the scenes of my 
childhood, 
And in wrapt admiration am wafted 
away. 
But I see them no more, nor hear from 
the wildwood, 
The song of the sweet bird that puss 
dared to slay. 

W. 
[May 18, 1836.] 

COMMIN' THROUGH THE SQUARE. 



If a body meet a body, 

Commin' through the square; 

If a body dun a body. 
Need a body care. 

H'ka body owes a body, 
All the Banks run dry — 

Neer a one can pay his debts; 
Then why the duce should I! 

If a body meet a body, 

Commin' by the jail — 
If a body nab a body 

Must a body fail? 

H'ka a body shows his shinnies 

Nane they say have I; 
But now and then a tailor trusts, 

Then wherefore should I sigh, 
But now and then a tailor trusts. 

Then what the duce care I. 
[June 28, 1837.] 



"Canst thou blind the sweet influences 
of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? 
Canst thou bring forth ]\Iaccaroth in his 
season, or canst thou guide Arctunis with 
his sons." "The Heavens declare the 
glory of God and the firmament showeth 
His handy work." — Scripture. 
Some heavenly power assist me, whilst I 

try 
To sing the beauties of the empyrean sky. 
Bestow on me the skill, by which in song. 
The Oegrean Orpheus drew the woods 

along. 



296 



And first arouud the Northern of th? 

poles, 
The mighty Dragon wreathes his massy 

fohls. 

In order next is Ursa swift she flies 
And shapes her course around the stud- 
ded skies. 

The bright Arcturus shows Bootes near, 
Who with his dogs drives Ursa round the 

sphere, 
The fleet Asterian presses on behind 
And Chara swifter than the Eastern wind. 

Hard by these the mighty Lion stands 
Which ranged at pleasure o'er Nemean 

lands. 
Till overpowered by Alcmena's son, 
(Who by his death immortal honors won) 
He then was placed among the ethereal 

signs 
And now a beauteous constellation shines, 
Next him the fair Astrean virgin flies 
Who last of all th" immortals sought the 

skies. 

Near to Astrea's the loquacious Crow 
Whose raven plummage once was white 

as snow 
Which, for his tattling, Phebus changed, 

alack, 
From snowy whiteness to a glossy black, 
But as a solace for his beauty lost. 
He holds a station 'mong the heavenly 

host. 

Next! when Antares shows his ruddy 

face, 
The impoisened arms of Scorpia embrace. 

The Scorpian there extends his fearful 
claws 

And breathes destruction from envenom- 
ed jaws. 

From where the Boreal crown delights 
the ej^e 

The hideous serpent stretches o'er the 
sky, 

His length across the galaxy extends. 

And toward Aquil's constellation bends. 

Proceeding upwards, Ophiucus stands 
Grasping old Scorpius in his mighty 

hands 
O'er a vast space the great Alcides 

spreads, 
Embracing Hydra with her massy heads. 
The sacred harp of Orpheus next we see 
By which he gained the last Eurydice 
Unrivalled here the radiant Lyra shines, 
The most resplendent of celestial signs. 

Approaching closer to the northern sphere 
The downy plumes of Cygnus now appear. 

Here to be found the lady in her chair 
And last of all succeeds the lesser bear. 



Around the North these constellations 

mo\e 
In perfect order through the realms above, 
'"Forever singing as they shine, 
"The hand that made them is Divine." 

JUVENIS. 
[July 12, 1837.] 



THE RIVER DELAWARE. 

From mountain limits of an Empire State 

The break'st, bold stream, thy solitary 
way 

Here shaded by dark cliff's, there bright 
in day 

Bathing our western verge, serenely 
great. 

As fitly deemed the lordly Hudson's mate 

The dimpling lights that on thy billow 
play 

Are such as on thy broader surface lay 

When peaceful Penn upon thy edge sate; 

And by the shadowing Elm in friendly 
guise, 

With feathered sachems joined in counsel 
sage 

Vaunting no acts of chivalrous emprise 

But seer-like buying wealth for future 
age, 

LavC; bloodless still, the peaceful heri- 
tage, 

Nor carnag*^ e'er thy virgin wave sur- 
prise. 
[November 29, 1837.] 



The following is the address of a letter 
received at the Easton post office a few 
days ago: 
There the Delaware winds its meand'ring 

course, 
Where the Bushkill lies cold, whilst old 
Boreas hoarse, 
In rude blasts round Mount Jefferson 
roars, 
To Uncle Sam's agent, the Post Master 
there, 
In Northampton county, I go, 

To he'll hand me with care, 

There all that within me I'll show. 
[1838.] 



A PEEP AT THE FAIR. 

Believe me, 'tis a wondrous thing, 

Of which I now a while would sing. 

You might have seen, had you been there 

The lovely beauties of the Fair. 

But since this has not been your fate, 

Be pleased to stay while I relate, 

What I did see, that you know 

\Miat made it such a beauteous show. 

From first to last, I ever tried. 
But have not yet been satisfied 
By looking at their toys, but still 
Must admire the ladies' skill. 
Who i)lanned and made such nicety 
And all for sake of charity 



297 



What handsome things were there to 

sell 
I cannot now delay to tell 
For sure 't would make my song too 

long, 
Which would you know be very wrong 
The articles were very neat, 
And those who sold would never cheat. 

The sight was worth the pay at least 

To eyes like mine it was a feast 

To see such beauty, nicety 

And usefulness Avith rarity 

But he who was displeased with these 

It would to hearts contentment please, 

To see the smiling fair 

Who were the great attraction there 

Who may, had they been pleased to tell. 

Had wished, and tried themselves to sell 

I hope they'll think it no offense 

To say they have such preference 

For who would trade her own dear self 

For all this glittering shining pelf. 

Let this be howso'er it may 
At least I thought they looked quite gay 
And none would think it any harm 
If hearts should yield to such a charm, 
Let those who wish to slander girls 
Behold, and not admire those curls, 
Those rosy cheeks and that kind smile 
Which playes upon them all the while 
Although I'm by no means inclined 
Nor have the least intent, or mind 
To flatter any to their face, 
I must confess, that in their place. 
They looked so neat and very smart, 
I scarce escaped and kept my heart. 

RALPH. 

[Easton, Jan. 2, 1839.] 

ADVICE TO MY FRIEN "RALPH." 



Frien "Ralph" they say that ye hae been. 
Where lade like you sud no be seen, 
Indeed I saw my sell yestreen 

Your ain confession 
Ye had fu' finely dress'd it in 

Poetic version. 

Ye say ye was weel pleased to see 
Sae mickle fun an' hearty glee; 
I dinna doubt, my hearty flea 

But "Ralph" himsel 
Some wee queer jobs an' tricks did see 

And weel could tell. 

Far in a jinkie snug and fight, 

But no as to be out o' sight, 

Some queans had letters there that night, 

Monie an' empty 
ihey threep'd them on some luckless 
wight, 

Right sair an' plenty. 

An' aiblims "Ralph" ye've maybe seen 
Some callant dress'd fu' spruce an' keen 



Devouring wi' his greedy eens, 

A Billet Doux 
Which maybe he had got that een 

Frae his own joe. 

Now "Ralph" (I was na' there to see) 
I heard some ill faur'd scoundrels say 
Ye glowr'd amang an' looked sae 

A a' the lasses; 
As would hae gar't them one day. 

Avert their faces. 

I tell you "Ralph" ye maun' nal gie 
Scandel sic powers to catch thee. 
Now 'ea' the door sae wide agree 

That lets her in, 
Ye dinna ken how ready she 

Is to leap in. 
Tak my advice an' bide at hame 
An' dinna gang to "fars" again 
Your heart is amorous ye ken 

An' eas'ly proddit 
Sure as ye gang to sie again. 

They'll rob you o' it. 

Now "Ralph" I've tell'd you as a frien, 
Dinna slight the advice I've gien, 
But let it, after this, be seen 

Your graver grown. 
An' mae sae foolish as you've been 

But wiser grown. 

RABBIDIE-AT-HAME. 

[Easton, Jan. 9, 1839.] 



Written after reading the lines, "I re- 
member, I remember." 



Yes and I, too, to memory can recollec- 
tions bring 

Which came as freshly o'er my heart as 
the balm breath of spring; 

The hope of happy childhood, which al- 
ways seemed to me 

The fairest spot on all the earth — para- 
dise to be, 

I remember, I remember still the cluster- 
ing musk rose; 

How I hasted in the early morn before 
the sun arose. 

To call its night expanded flowers from 
off" their slender stem 

Before a single sunbeam's glance could 
could dry or wither them. 

The jas'mine by the garden gate, w^hich 
formed an arching bower — 

[ always plucked a sprig away. It is my 
favorite flower. 

I know not how it is, these things pos- 
sess a wondrous art. 

But what we loved in childhood best 
clings closest to the heart 

That Jessamine and clustering rose T 
never can forget. 

It were a joy unto my heart to know 
they're living yet. 

And then the pine trees walk — the lofty 
silver pine 



298 



t)h! how I loved in Summer hours be- 
neath them to recline. 
To listen to the sighing winds that 

through their tall tops played 
And music like the murmuring tunes of 

distant waters made, 
The arbor on the grassy mound, with 

vines all interlaced 
Where coral honeysuckle blooms, with 

woodbines pale embraced, 
Where busy bees and humming birds the 

live long day would come 
And chant from morn till eventide, their 

low unceasing hum; 
Fearless I'd climb its highest round, and 

there I'd sit and sing 
Or try to catch the humming bird while 

hov'ring on the wing. 
And when my childish heart leaped high 

to think I held it fast 
Away — away the tiny thing flew like a 

sunbeam past; 
And often did my wond'ring eyes rest on 

the far off sky, 
I thought the blue arch bent so low, that 

it must be close by, 
Had I but wings, I'd fly and reach the 

horizon's utmost bound, 
And then I'd climb up into Heav'n, and 

tread on holy ground; 
And well do I remember yet one lovely, 

spring time day, 
'Ihe apple trees were in full bloom — it 

was the month of May 
The blue birds mid the branches sung, 

the Heav'ns above were bright 
The blosom leaves from ofl' the trees flew 

by like things of light, 
The fresh spring grass with dewy beads 

on ev'ry side was hung 
Which living diamonds seemed to be on 

threads of em'rald strung. 
The air it might have come from Heav'n, 

it was so pure and bland. 
So loaded with delicious sweets from 

countless blossoms fanned, 
I stood upon a verdant knoll and gazed 

with childlike glee. 
It seemeth but yesterday so fresh it is to 

me; 
I looked on earth 'twas fairy land and 

then I looked above. 
]My little heart it seemed to grow with 

happiness and love, 
I clasped my hands close to my heart 

while tears of deep delight 
Were rising from my swelling heart and 

swimming in my sight; 
My bosom scarcely could contain the joy 

that in it sprung. 
And oh ! I am too happy now burst from 

my heart and tongue 
But never, never have I known, and ne'er 

shall know again. 
While gazing upon lovely scenes, the joy 

that filled me then 
And never too much happiness again my 

soul shall bless. 



L'ntil indeed I climb to Heaven and there 
its bliss possess. 

F. M. L. 
(Easton, February 1, 1840.] 



REPLY TO "CHILDHOOD." 
Yes! and I, too, to memory 

Can recollections bring 
Of sunny days and visions bright 

In childhood's early spring; 
I, too, the "fond imaginings 

So cherished" can recall, 
And see again the flowers I loved 

Forever fade and fall. 

And oft I love to wander back 

Far in the distance now. 
And con\erse hold with childhood's days 

Ere care had touched my brow; 
When life was full of life, and hope 

On airy pinions flew. 
And fancy all my future scenes 

\\'ith magic pencil drew. 

And yet I would not wish again 

Those sunlight hours to see; 
Nor lisp again my evening song 

Beside mj' mother's knee; 
Nor seek again the "seeking gems" 

Which in the distance shone 
Nor wish to dwell upon my ear, 

Each loved companion's tone. 

Those happy hours I lost, are now 

Too often kindly given; 
My mother sings more sweetly now 

Among the harps of heaven; 
How many tones I loved are now 

In death forever hushed! 
And can I wish again to see 

My hopes in sadness crushed? 

'Tis true I have — and ought to have — 

My hours of sadness now 
And shades of care at times will pass 

Across my manhood's brow 
But brighter hopes upon my heart, 

With pure celestial ray. 
Are dawning now, and purer joys 

Than childhood's brightest day. 

I feel existence was not given 

A bone of little worth; 
I feel our brightest joys are not 

The fleeing joys of earth ; 
Far out before my vision now, 

A pros])ect opens wide; 
The world before me where to choose 

And Providence my guide! 

My childhood's eyes could weep to see 

The tear of anguish start; 
But now my manhood's voice can ease 

The anguish of the heart 
My childhood's heart could sympathize 

With misery's falling tear; 
But now my manhood's hand can smooth 

The wrinkle brow of care. 



299 



I cannot wish for childhood's hours 

Though memory loves their sight, 
I only wish to view them now 

In memory's visions bright; 
My hopes, my fears, my joys are 
changed ; 

Beyond time's solemn shore, 
A brighter crown than earth can give 

Is glittering far before! 

Oh! "happy he who tosses not 

Away into the main, 
His present joys for future ones 

That may be quenched in pain!" 
Yet if religion on thy path 

Its hallowed radiance pours, 
Methinks it were a selfish thing 

To wish for childhood's hours. 

N. L. E. 

[Easton, July 3, 1840.] 



TO MARY. 

Though chilling winds blow from the 
North, 

The sun may yet shine clearly, 
And days arrive with joy and mirth. 

And all that we love dearly. 
Sweet Mary, when the snow is gone. 

When spring returns so mildly. 
We'll cull the flowers by setting sun. 

Which grow so gay and wildly, 
When nature decks herself anew, 

In her green mantle flowing. 
We'll wander forth whilst morning dew. 

Is on the rose fresh blowing, 
I've seen thee by the streamlet side. 

So like a wood nymph wander. 
Far up the vale both long and wide. 

Which often made me ponder. 
Thus nature clad in flowery dress. 

Held o'er thee so much power, 
Thou thus thy homage didst express, 

By brake and lovely boAver. 
Loved moments! as we sallied forth, 

The feathered tribes sang sweetly, 
Return sweet hours of so much worth. 

Why did ye pass so fleetly? 
Thus Mary when I think of thee, 

These sentiments press on me, 
Yet from such thoughts I'd not be free. 

Nor India's wealth could won me. 

R. H. T. 

Feb. 17, 1841. 



A WINTER GLEE. 

'Tis the crack of the whip, and away 
we go. 
For a glee let us stir up our hearts 
with joy; 
All care for a time, be banished below, 
And mirth be unmixed with aught 
to alloy, 
For the sport will be o'er you know 
When the sun has melted the snow. 



Like the rush of the wind, o'er the 
ground we fly, 
Unmindful of dangers, regardless of 
fear. 
For sport we are bound, and for it 
we'll try, 
While winter and cold abide with us 
here; 
For sleighing no more we'll go. 

When the sun has melted the snow. 

List, the bells, how they ring in the 
cold, clear air; 
Throw your books on the shelf and 
forget them awhile 
To taste of delight; while prospects 
are fair 
And time with innocent mirth be- 
guile ; 
For back to our task we'll go, 

When the sun has melted the snow. 

Crack awav, and away in a haste we'll 

fly, 

Far away o'er the hills, where the 
sport is gay; 
Haste on, while with glee our spirits 
are high 
And we shall be there to share in the 
play; 
For ne'er can we frolic so. 

When the sun has melted the snow. 

Crack awav, and awav in a haste we'l' 

fly. 

Far away o'er the hills, where the 
sport is gay ; 
Haste on, while with glee our spirits 
high. 
And we shall be there to share in 

the play ; 
For ne'er can we frolic so. 
When the sun has melted the snow. 
RALPH. 
February 17, 1841. 



From the Wilkes-Barre Advocate. 
TO THE LADIES OF THE LATE WYO- 
MING MONUMENTAL ASSO- 
CIATION. 
The Ladies of Easton send Greeting. 
Dear Sisters: 
We beg you accept of the gift we bestow. 

For the object we greatly approve, 
The names to exalt of the dead who lie 
low, 
'Neath the soil of the valley you love. 

A valley baptized in the blood of the 
brave, 
Meetest spot on the earth for a war- 
rior's grave, 
Tlie hero who sleeps 'neath its blood- 
bedewed sod, 
Is the hero who fought for his hearth 
nnd liis God. 



300 



Let the sons of those sires forget as There's an apron of silk for a lady to 

tll6V lllfiV wght, 

The men ana the means that ennobled And if torn there are needles to amend 

their day 't. 
Let the State' that reaps laurels from 

fields of their fame, There's a bag that was made for a neat 

Refuse e'en a wreath to encircle their little girl, 

name, Her years as you see are not many, 

Yet arise! 6 ye Gertrudes and honor the Of crewel 'tis worked of tke color called 



spot. 

Lest the days and the deeds of the dead 
be forgot. 

As we claim to be sisters we claim too 
a share 



pearl 
And we call her our dear little Annie. 

If aught is forgotten, prey pardon the 
muse — • 
To err like her sex, she's addicted. 



In the mound of the brave which is Her mite, to contribute, how could she 



raised by the fair, 
O! May hearts as heroic the weak ever 
save, 
And fair ones as grateful embellish 
their graves. 



refuse. 
Though in time she was greatly re- 
stricted. 
On Behalf of the Ladies of Easton, 

June 25, 1841. 



Yet judge not the heart by the trifle it STUDENTS' FAREWELL TO EASTON. 

sends, 



But take it just as intended, 
Could we send you a ready built monu- 
ment friends. 
Believe us we cheerfully send it. 

There's a basket of fruit, ripe, ruddy and 
fair. 
Yet hardly are fair as the donor. 
And a pair of cloth slippers for gentle- 
men's wear, 
Which must be made up by the owner. 



We go, farewell the brightest spot on 

earth, 

Where hearts of love are ever found. 

Invites us back, to circle round the 

hearth 

And share the joy that flows around, 

The empty seat, reminds the anxious 
mother, 
One wanders from the household 
broken, 
A sister thinks of her long absent 
brother 
When'er she views the mournful token. 



There are cushions to set on your toilet 
so neat, 
There's a basket of shells from the 

ocean , -j j -iu But oh ! a holier thought, a deeper strain, 

And two boxes embroidered with roses . u^^^i-u^A f^^^ u't. J ^«=,.«r« 



so sweet. 
Well fitted to hold any notion. 

There are lamp-stands and lamp-lighter 

boxes to boot 
And bags fit for ladies to carry. 
And ten "hard time pocketbooks" say 

will they suit, 
The beaux who reside in Wilkes-Barre? 

We send you a lady, her name is Ruth 
Prim, 
Let some bachelor take her, she'll be 

unto him, 
A model of silence and duty. 



Is breathed from hearts at vespers 

there. 
The eye on heaven asks shall we meet 

again 
Him bowing once with us in prayer. 

How can we linger? Bid us not, we go, 

Our thoughts so brightly run before. 
In visioned sights like pictures brightly 
glow 
The throng that crowd the homestead 
door. 



Farewell, ye mounts and meads memen- 
tos dear. 
Of students lonely quiet walk, 
There's a cart and a wheelbarrow, both ^^ft thought returning back shall wan- 



to assist. 
In raising your monument higher. 
And two handsome card baskets none can 

resist. 
Their neatness and grace to admire. 

There's a basket of Coral, a harp, a 
guitar. 
And slippers for fairies intended, 



der here. 
And with the past in spirit talk. 

Here nature blends sublimely beauties 
wrousiht. 
Upon the distant mountains brow, 
With vales and hills in humble grandeur 
fraught. 
While all between the rivers flow. 



301 



ajestic round the difls, rock- bound and 

grey 
And gentle woodlands slopes of green 
hat shadow o'er the flowing silvery 

wave, 
Their image on the broad deep stream. 

o smile was lost, no favor to stranger 
shown, 

In sickness or in cheerful health 

ut gratitude was deep though all un- 
told. 

It ever, ever will be felt. 

ike rain upon the thirsty parching 

flower, 
That blooms and pines and sighs alone 
3 acts of kindness fall with secret power 
On wanderers from their long loved 

home. 

he tear that fell with ours around the 

grave. 
Where lie the loved ones sleeping dust, 
old sympathetic sorrow had its wave 
To swell and break and weep with us. 

h! think! though voiceless we may all 

depart. 
As alone, unknown as first we came, 
here leaves remembrance in many j% 

heart 
Too deep to bear an earthly name. 

irewell, our thoughts will never cease 

to cling, 
To beauties linn'd by nature here 
ut holier spreads the grateful spirits 

wing. 
Oh pinions breathing thanks on high. 

offer up sincere a parting prayer, 
For friends from whom we now must 

sever, 
et on through life the happy hope we 

bear, 
To meet and part no more forever. 
Easton, Sept. 2.3, 1841. L. 



essrs. Editors: 

The following lines are at your dis- 
)sal. They were composed in the stage 
ach while passing the place where lie 
le remains of those who fell in the mas- 
cre at Wyoming Valley. It is known 
many readers that the ladies of that 
vely valley, with the nobleness of 
lirit for which they are so distinguished 
e now endeavoring to raise a monu- 
ent to the memory of the heroes who 
ere fought and fell. Every generous 
lirit will wish them success, and if at 
ly coming time war should visit that 
vely vale, the monument now erecting 
ill be the centre round which will rally 
ose who like their sires will be ready 



to die for home and liberty. That monu- 
ment will tell them that they all shall 
be remembered. 
Peace to the buried brave, 
Green be their honored giave 
They died their land to save, 

Peace to their memory. 
Their name and deed shall be 
The theme of poetry; 
They died to set us free, 

Bless'd be their memory. 

We'll n'er forget their grave. 
While the stars and stripes shall wave. 
O'er hearts both free and brave. 
We'll cherish their mem'ry 

Raise! raise! the column high, 
Pointing upward to the sky, 
That so all who pass by, 

May think upon their mem'ry. 

Think not the project vain. 

Do not treat with disdain — 

For if you do you'll stain, 

Their gallant memory. 

Accept brave men the song. 

Although it is not long— 

'Tis from one whose love is strong. 

Towards your memory. 

N. E. 

November 2, 1841. 



FROM THE WEEKLY MESSENGER. 



If I steal a minister's thoughts and 
turn them into verse, ought they not to 
be returned to him in some way? So I 
dedicate this homble effort of turning 
prose into poetry, to my friend the Rev. 
B. C. Wolfl". F. M. L. 

And who are they that nearest stand 

Unto the burning throne? 
A white-robed throng — a shining band 

Circling the Holy One. 
Above, around, where 'ere I turn — 

Beings of joy and light. 
Like the stars of glory seem to burn 

Dazzling the wond'ring sight. 
But brighter than the brightest there, 

That inner circle glow. 
Purer the robes of light they wear, 

Than's earth's new fallen snow. 
Oh bliss of heaven! what rapturous noteS 

Thrill and entrance the soul, 
Now like a distant strain it floats. 

Then burst with mighty roll, 
It dies and swells away, away — 

Throughout the angelic throng. 
The shining ones repeat the lay. 

Their glittering ranks along — 
But hark ! a song breaks on my ear. 

Rising close to the throne — 
No notes like those, in Heaven I hear. 

No theme like to its own, 
Say, what that song, and who are they 



302 



Who next the glory stand? 
And why so white the bright array, 

Of that rejoicing band? — 
And know'st thou not the blood bought 
throng 

Behold their crown and palm — 
Catch now the burden of their song, 

"All glory to the Lamb; 
Glory to him that once was slain. 

Who washed us in his blood. 
Glory to him who lives again, 

And ransomed us to God." 

Dec. 15, 1841. 



At a general meeting of all the dogs 
of the borough of Easton held in Dog 
alley on Saturday evening, the 1.5th of 
July, 1842, Dash Weygandt was called 
to ithe chair. Shark Connor, Ban Jones 
and Don Sitgreaves, were chosen vice 
presidents, and Bounce Ihrie and Beauty 
Wolf, were appointed secretaries. The 
object of the meeting was explained by 
the president, and the following address, 
reported by Nathaniel Bumpo Hand, was 
unanimously adopted. After which the 
meeting adjourned to the Bushkill to 
take a drink; where the officers treated 
the company, and Bull Pollock and 
Philo ]\Iichler acted as grog bosses. 

Petition of All the Dogs. 
Wise guardians of this widespread town 
Of civic wreath and mural crown 
We sufl'ring now beneath your frown 

Our griefs express. 
And from the grace to others shown, 

We ask redress. 

Our wrongs we can no longer bear. 

We who have made your goods our care, 

Are now deprived of light and air, 

By legal clogs; 
And therefore we present this prayer 

Of all the dogs. 

'Tis known that by your dire decree 
We, once the faithful and the free. 
Pointer and cur of low degree. 

Both dog and pup, 
Must have our jaws in misery, 

Or be tied up. 

Doth not our glorious law secure. 
Freedom of speech to rich and poor. 
And can you calmly thus endure 

Our mouths to muzzle, 
To speak or bark through them 'twere 
sure. 

Old Nick to puzzle. 

And from your handbill too 'tis clear. 
We of our lives are put in fear; 
For by your "Draco's laws" severe 

"Tis not denied, 
You contemplate by club and spear. 

Fell dog-i-cide. 



Wherefore, wise Council, is it thus. 
That you should wreak your rage on us? 
Have you not dogs that make more fuss 

Than we have done? 
Take up the dogs that drink and cuss, 

And let us rvm. 

Take up the dogs that stand about, 

And make on politics a rout; 

To see them slaver, fume and spout. 

It looks too bad, 
They drink no water, and no doubt 

You'll find they're mad! 

Take up the dogs who yelp all night, 
And wake the children in affright. 
Who serenade, or raise a fight, 

They don't care which. 
Such chaps are much more apt to bite 

Than dog or b — eh. 

Muzzle the lying, sneaking crew. 

Who snarl and growl, and spit and mew, 

To bring their neighbors faults to view, 

Their own imheeding. 
(live them the strap and collar too, 

'Twill mend their breeding. 

Muzzle the larks who drink their grog 
So strong that they can scarcely jog, 
Tlien down they tumble like a log. 

And then grow sicker 
Here each is a cold water dog; 

We drink no liquor. 

Shame that hen Temperance rules the 

roost, 
We who from all creation boost 
That pure cold water is our toast 

This to enslave us. 
We are a true cold water boss: 

Mc en, save us? 

So now we humbly plead our cause. 
We'll weigh our service 'gainst your laws 
And trust you'll pass some saving clause 

For our dear freedom. 
As for our foes, who'd bid you pause, 

They're rogues, don't heed 'em. 

Thus then we say, by day and night 
We guard your homes, protect your right 
Shield honest men, and rogues affright, 

And so 'tis written, 
That any scamp we chance to bite, 

He should be bitten. 

We for these reasons humbly pray, 
To be released by night and day. 
And through the streets have leave to 
play. 
And light or dark, 
We will our bounden duty pay 
And ever bark, 
[July 20, 1842.] 



303 



STANZAS. 



Oh, would that I could breathe again. 
The mountain breezes far away, 

And once more tune mj^ harp's wild strain 
Where the sweet rivers gently play. 

Where the smooth Lehigh calm and clear 
Keeps ever on its sluggish pace, 

And little islands bright appear, 
Like fairy grottos on its face. 

And where with bolder, stronger force, 
The merry sparkling Delaware, 

Leaps o'er the rocks which check its 
course. 
And sweeps along the valley fair. 

Where the high hills, o'erlook the scene. 
And to the wandering eyes, disclose 

A varied landscape, rich and green, 
Spread out in nature's soft repose. 

Sweet scenes, beloved, and ever fair? 

Still upon my heart ye dwell! 
Oh, would that I were wandering there, 

Along the paths remembered well. 

Fain would I quit the Hudson's side, 
To view the Delaware once more, 

And o'er the Lehigh calm, to glide, 
And listen to the dipping oar. 

Or, sweeter far, to hear the voice 

Of friends, unchanged by changing 
years, 
And in their welcome to rejoice, 

The same, through life, 'mid smiles or 
tears. 

Oh, when shall I again be there! 

In freedom o'er each spot to roam; 
When shall I breathe that mountain air, 

To me the air of peace and home! 

Estelle. 

July 19, 1843. 

THE VALE OF THE DELAWARE BY 
MOONLIGHT. 



At night a vision came; 'twas not a 
dream, 
I saw with earthly eye, untouched by 
sleep ; 

I saw a vale lit up by moonlight's gleam, 
While e'en its central basin, dark and 
deep, 

Shone iright in many a soft, reflected 
beam, 
That sparkled back from distant crag 
and steep 

While sank down in the east a pearl- 
tinged cloud 

As tho' 'twere a moon-worshipper low- 
bowed. 



Slumber was on the earth ; the river lay 
Like a silver band on her dreamy bow; 
The soft light winds, in their frolicsome 
play, 
Rippled o'er the waters with fairy- 
like plough, 
And sparkles of light shone over their 
way. 
As the ocean at night, when cleft by 
the prow. 
And on the wave, the tree shades softly 

fell, 
Like noontide shadows in some forest 
dell. 

Around me a gay town lay calmly 

sleeping 
And none might deem amid those 

dwellings fair. 
That eyes once bright were now in sad- 
ness weeping, 
And joyous lips were sealed, for aye, 

in mute despair, 
That loving hearts were now their vigils 

keeping 
O'er those who soon would need no 

earthly care 
And that in many a dark and loathsome 

den 
Vice his herorgies from the sight of men. 

Here once the red man from the forest 
saw 
Dian! thy radiant face, to all most 
fair. 
And in his ignorance would seek to draw, 
From thee, chaste Goddess of the gold- 
en hair! 
Nature's great secret and the Spirit's 
law. 
But thou wert dumb unto his earnest 
prayer. 
W^ould he had come, not unto thee, by 

night. 
But as the Rabbi did, for spirit light! 

And in the west shone out a bright-eyed 
star, 
That gazed so calm, so earnestly below 
I could not deem it but a world afar; 
Some sun cheering its system with its 
glow; 
Or planet wheeling its airy car 

And coolly gazing, centuries, on hu- 
man woe. 
No, it should be the spirit of the dell. 
With sleepless eve, guarding the sleeping 
well! 
Easton, Dec. 19, 1844. 



TO THE WILLOW. 



(Opposite My Window.) 
Willow, why forever droop. 

Through the summer days! 
Why, to earth so lowly stoop 

'Neath the glad sun's rays! 



304 



Do tliy weeping boughs conceal 
Some (lark, nameless grief? 

Wliieh thou fearest to reveal 
By a rising leaf? 

Or \\ith voiceless language filled, 
Would'st thou preach to me. 

Lessons, till vain pride is stilled, 
Of humanity. 

Till the listning ear is stirred 

In its inmost cell. 
With an eloquence, but heard 

By the spirit's psell. 



Yet, benevolent, as sad, 

In thy loneliness, 
Thou dost spread a cooling 

Many a heart to bless. 



shade, 



Old men sit at sunset there, 
Freed from toil and strife, 

Talking, with contented air, 
Thus enjoying life. 

Envying neither rich nor great. 
Placed in higher sphere. 

Feeling in their tranquil state 
Far more happy here. 

Matrons, with indulgent smiles, 

But with earnest eyes, 
Watch the merrj^ urchins' wiles 

As Time onward flies. 

Careless childhood, ever gay, 

Age of frolic mirth! 
Full of pleasure, full of play. 

Loveliest sight on earth! 

From my window's calm retreat, 

1 delighted to gaze. 
Till the day and evening, meet 

In tiie twiiigut rays. 

Watching in the fading light. 
While sweet fancies press. 

Many a living picture, bright 
With life's happiness. 

Willow thou are ever there, 
Graceful, drooping tree! 

Bowing in thy beauty rare. 
To thy destiny. 

Filling thine allotted part 
In great Nature's plan. 

Emblem to the himian heart, 
Of sympathy with man. 



Estelle. 



Easton, July 29, 1845. 



KATYDIDS. 

Night is coming, night is coming! 

Katydids begin their songs; 
Summer's going, summer's going! 

Autumn will be here, ere long. 

Katydids your voices warn us 

Of the summer's passing flowers, 

As we listen to your music. 
In the nights' increasing hours. 

Now, oh now, your nightly concert. 
Keeps my busy thoughts awake. 

They are wandering near the Harbour, 
And the stul and peaceful lak€ 

Fancy sees the scenes so lovely, 
In my youth's bright summer dream. 

Willows, drooping near the water, 
Lillies, bathing in the stream. 

Clustering cedars, on the hill-tops, 
Brooklets, from the mountain sides, 

Wilding roses, by the hedges. 

Where tne frightened squirrel hides. 

Snow-drops, opening in the meadows, 
Violets, with their soft blue eyes, 

Pee])ing out, like angels gazing 
Through a quaint and sweet dis- 
guise. 

AMiite sails, spreading to the breezes. 
Wont so gracefully to glide, 

Far into the ocean's outlet. 
With the water's ebbing tide. 

Every vision still is peopled 
With the forms which once were 

dear; 
In their spirit -presence, here. 

Katydids your voices bring them 

Darkness hides the scenes around me, 
Memory flies on wings of light, 

I can fancy ye are singing 

Near my old loved home tonight. 

Katydids, ye all are sisters! 

Know ye not those sylvan shades? 
Come ye hither, iiow, to tell me. 

Change on all things there invades? 

Would that I could hear your music, 
Even as I heard it there — 

On the self-same spot reclining, 
Breathing the same balmy air. 

Wooing tnoughts of earth and heaven, 
heaven. 

Scarcely conscious which were best; 
While the world appeared and Eden, 

In its pristine beauty drest. 

Time is passing, time is passing! 

Years have fled, and changes come, 
Since I heard the same wild chanting, 
Round my long deserted home. 



30s 



Ah, mj^ feelings have grown sadder! 
Though your notes are still the 
same ; 
Heaven seems only now worth win- 
ning, 
Earthly joys are but a name! 

Katydids, oh, ye are sounding 
Still your deep and solemn knell, 

O'er tlie young hopes which have 
fleeted, 
Whither, oh, ye cannot tell! 

Nightly ye repeat your chorus. 

Through the dark and silent hours, 
Nightly ye return to warn us, 
Life is passing like the flowers. 

May we heed the sad monitions, 
Which so loudly ye proclaim. 

May we turn from earthly visions. 
And the shade of earthly fame. 

Gaining from your voices, wisdom. 
While your little breath ye spend. 

May we seek the better portion 
Of the bliss, which has no end. 



Estelle. 



(Easton, August 28, 184.5.) 



It is with feelings of sincerest pleasure 
that I find in my possession the manu- 
script of a hymn written by the beloved 
Miss Ralston, for the Brainerd E. So- 
ciety, of Lafayette College. And as it 
may be, to her friends, a small memento 
of departed worth, breathing as it does, 
the soul of piety, which was ever con- 
spicuous in her life, I most cheerfully 
give it, praying that while they pre- 
serve it in memory of one they loved, 
they may also possess the spirit it 
breathes — being prepared to meet her in 
a better world. J. W. C. 

Saviour! Saviour, hear our prayer! 
Now upborne upon the air; 
Suppliants at Thy glorious throne, 
Grace we ask, of Thee alone; 
Friend of Missions, in Thy cause, 
We would not a moment pause. 

Oh, unloose each sin-born tie. 
Raise our hearts to Thee on high, 
Like the Patriarch* of our band. 
May we leave our Father -land, 
Casting not one look behind, 
So intent the lost to find. 

Shields us by Thy "cloud by day" 
From the sun-beams fervid ray; 
By Thy "pillar's" glorious light. 
May we pierce the shade of night; 
Rest we not by land or sea. 
Till the lost we bring to Thee. 



Oh ! the bliss one soul to lave. 
In Bethesda's healing wave; 
Seeing sins of deepest dye, 
Merge in love to Thee on high. 
On Thy promise. Lord we lean 
"Thou canst make the vilest clean." 
*The Rev. David Brainerd. 

[September 24, 1845. 



EASTON. 
I've looked on many a scene, where 
Nature's hand 
Has clothed this transient earth in 
loveliness ; 
But in my spirit's dreams of fairy land, 
Ne'er fancied I a fairer scene than 
this. 

Oh, I have gazed from Easton's hills, and 
felt 
That God has made this world so 
beautiful. 
That all should worship Him, whose 
love thus dwelt 
On creatures, of his gifts insensible. 

The darker passions of the human heart. 
Are lulled to sleep, amid the wonders 
wrought 
By the Omnipresent; and works of art. 
With their vain pagentry, sink into 
nought. 

W-Tiat human mind can comprehend the 
plan 

Of the vast Universe; — Or even here. 
This little spot, far as the eye can scan. 

Now, in the glory of the waning year. 

The autumn tints, magnificently gay. 
Have tinged the forest; and each slop- 
ing hill. 
In hues of gold and crimson decked, dis- 
play 
The matchless coloring of Almighty 
skill. 

Between the parted mountains, on each 
side, 
In lofty grandeur, shadowing a vale 
Bright as Ovoca's, the soft rivers glide. 
And meeting, to each other tell their 
tale. 

Bold in my Muse, to touch upon a theme, 
Long linked to the immortal Poet's 
song* — 
Yet by these meeting waters here, I 
dream 
Such things, as but to poetry belong. 

Sweet scenes of beauty! well may ye in- 
spire 
My humble efforts, and were feelings, 
words. 
How would I breathe them o'er the 
speaking lyre. 
And wake to melofy, its simple chords. 



_3o6 



Easton, I love thy rocks, and hills, and 
streams — 
The great Creator's works! — I love to 
gaze 
When the bright sun spreads out his 
glorious beams 
Or the pale moon sheds forth her mil- 
der rays. 

At morn, at eve, or at the twilight hoir 
When rainbow hues pass o'er the 
changeful sky, 
Or when red lightnings flash, or storm 
clouds lower, 
Or glittering stars look from their 
throne on high. 

All times, all seasons, beautiful thou art! 
In spring's green mantle robed, or gai- 
ly clad 
In summer flowers, which yield as they 
depart, 
I'D autumn's splendid livery — though 
sad. 

And winter's snows! how passing fair 
they seem, 
On thy dark mountains, and thy leaf- 
less trees! 
The scene springs up before me, as a 
dream. 
Filling my heart with pleasjint memo- 
ries. 

made, 
And soon, familiar grows the world, 
farewell. 
Pleasures fade. 
And changes o'er the tide of life must 
swell — 
This world, alas! was but for partings 
How tight they've got their ribs all 
In faulting. Ladies, wearing gold? 
Have they not courage to speak out. 
Or are they 'fraid the girls might pout 
At hearing, how they go now dress'd, 
And not to see how far behind. 
They are, the age of Peter, bold 

iuog s^pof^ ui :>saj3:nii uu j^oas puy 
'puiiq OS A\ou ifSja^f) jno aau jq 
uiBj^ ^PPI^ 311^ '/^«S 91^ ujBAv ox 
To flee from sin, from wrath to come, 

press'd, 
Sweet Easton I must leave thee! 

Estelle. 
*Moore's Irish Melodies. 

Easton, October 10, 1845. 



A Petition to Doctor Junkin, in be- 
half of the Young Ladies of Easton, by 
a member of the Junior Class of Lafa- 
yete College, Easton, Pa. 
Dear Doctor! tell us if you can. 
Since you're an Easton Clerg;\'7nan, 
A\Tiat Ministers now mean to do 
With all the painted, bustl'd crew ? 
For to Young Men they only preach, 



As if old Maids dare not teach 
How they, the ways of vice should shun, 
And in tlie paths of virtue run. 
Have they to full perfection grown, 
With all their flow'rs so fully blown, 
Tiiat Preachers now their voice refrain, 
"What ropes, and steel, their sides com- 
press. 
To make their bodies somewhat less?" 
Poor fools! they'll live not half their 

days. 
So tightly lac'd within their stays, 
To fashion they've become a prey, 
To modesty they've bid good day. 
By day, by night, they're out from home, 
.4nd on the streets forever roam. 
Some by night the streets do wander 
Tease young men their means to squan- 
der. 
In haunts of vice, at hen s own gates, 
Wiiere Satan hardy soldiers makes, 
Others, by day their fin'ry shown 
Alas! liow big their bustles grow. 
Meantime their brains become depress'd, 
And for a beau they're quite distress'd 
Who then will say that woma"1i could. 
From hearing sermons get no good? 
Why then should Ministers conceal. 
The truth which duty bids reveal? 
Try now, Dear Doctor, if you can. 
Since all the Preachers preach to man, 
A course of Lectures to prepare. 
Full of advice, of wisdom rare. 
For Easton's daughters' benefit? 
To church they come, in crowds they sit, 
To hear what misdeeds we have done. 
E'en in God's house they make their fun. 
Now Doctor teach them if you can, 
How to become helps, meet for man. 
To tlirow away their big bran sacks, 
^Miich look like mountains on their 
backs. 

[February 4, 1846.] 



The following piece of good poetry, 
was written by a gifted citizen of this 
place, upon hearing of the death of the 
brave Major Ringgold from wounotj re 
ceived in the battle of Matamoras, on 
the eighth of May last, between the army 
of the LTnited States and a superior Mex- 
ican force. It appeared originally in a 
city paper, but we transfer it to our 
columns with pride, not only on account 
of its beauty and patriotic sentiment, 
but also on account of the locality of its 
authorship. 

Air — "Lutzou's Wilde Jagd." 
'iiie trumpets have sunk to a funeral 

wail 
Which so gaily for victory sounded. 
The war steeds are check'd, the riders 

are pale, 
me muffled drum beats, banners drop on 

the gale, 
And with mourners, the bier is sur- 
rounded; 



307 



Would any the cause of our sorrowing 

know ? 
'Tis our Chieftain, who fell in pursuit of 

the foe. 

Secure in their number and lurking un- 
seen, 

'me crafty foe ventured to brave us; 

Their death shots were kindling the 
chapperal green; 

Each thicket was gleaming with bayo- 
nets keen ; 

But we felt that our valor would save 
us; 

Then — then did each bosom with estacy 
glow, 

As our gallant Chief led us to dash on 
the foe. 

Our cannon were sweeping each thicket 
and wood 

Where the foemen in ambush were ly- 
ing; 

The sabres were flashing in carnage and 
blood, 

The muskets were belching their fiery 
flood, 

And the Spaniard in terror was flying, 

But our hearts in the hour of our pride 
were brought low. 

For our Chieftain had fallen in pursuit 
of the foe. 

He fell in the noon of his glorious fame, 

Where death its wild harvest was reap- 
ing, 

His shroud be a banner. Inscribe we his 
name 

On the stone which we raise, midst the 
smoke and the flame 

To mark where a hero is sleeping; 

And it shames not our manhood that bit- 
ter tears flow 

O'er the hero who fell in pursuit of the 
foe. 

Then makes we his bed by the Bravo's 

wild wavej 
Where swiftly its current is gliding. 
And plant our proud banner above his 

lone grave. 
For meet resting place for the dauntless 

and brave 
Is a stream hostile nations dividing; 
And that flag its haughty defiance shall 

throw 
From the sod where he rests secure from 

the foe. 
Easton, May, 1846. 

A. E. B. [A. E. Browne. [ 
July, 8, 1846. 



their friends, and the public generally, 

in such refreshments as they may find 

it convenient and agi-eeable to send, 

will be very thankfully received at the 

armory' on the day of sale, or by Mrs. 

F. Brown, at any time previous. 

"The Fair of the Roses!" Who'l buy a 
sweet rose? 

To commence on the tenth night of 
June we propose. 

And got up by the Fair, ah, who can 
refuse ? 

Tho' announced by the pen of no hum- 
ble a muse — 

When Belles in attendance are blooming 
and fair. 

We need not resent what else will be 
there. 

And the public of Easton, so generous to 
all. 

We need not solicit to give us a call. 

Contributions we ask for sweet charity's 
sake, 

In Bon-bons or Ice-creams — Flowers or 
Cake. 

Little Trinity often has made a de- 
mand. 

And Eastonians extended a liberal hand: 

May thev ever in peace and prosperity 
du'ell, 

And still in all graces and virtues excel, 

May each note of discord and unkind- 
ness 'cease, 

And Easton be known as the valley of 

[May 27, 1846.] 



The Young Ladies, interested in the 
Fair for Trinity Church Parsonage, pro- 
pose commencing the sale of fancy arti- 
cles, on the evening of Wednesday, the 
10th of June next, at the National 
Guards' Armory, Contributions from 



The following address was distributed 
on the first inst., by the carrier of the 
Whig and Journal. The unusual liber- 
ality of the subscribers in Easton has 
filled his pockets and excited his vanity 
a little. He thinks his piece is not with- 
out merit. Agreeing with him as to the 
qualities of his song, we insert it for the 
persusal of our subscribers beyond his 
bounds. 

CARRIER'S ADDRESS. 
Once more we greet our patrons with a 

smile, 
Once more address them, and request 

awhile 
Their kind attention, while our lyric 

muse 
Adjusts her compliments, and brings the 

"news." 

'Tis New Year's morn, earth once more 

has run 
Her annual pleasure trip around the sun. 
Once more anew begins her wonted 

course, 
Tmpell'd as erst by that impulsive force 
She first received, when Chaos fled ab- 
horred, 
Yielding his sceptre to Creation's Lord. 



308 



Anotlier year, with ricli profusion Let lis rejoice! Does grief afflict, or 

crowned care? 

Of health and joy has rolled its seasons Let us, awhile, forget affliction's rod, 

round, Recount our mercies, and adore our God. 
Summer has trodden on the steps of 

Spring, Xaturc around us her profusion spreads, 

And yellow Autumn bowed to Winter's Her countless stores of blessings crown 

Ivinf. our heads. 

Rich fields have waved their crops of Here in rich beauty clad, in smiles ar- 

golden grain, rayed, 

And nodding sheaves bedeck'd the fertile Her sweetest charms are everywhere 

plain displayed. 

Our garners groan beneath the precious Here "cloud clapp'd" peaks of hoary 

store, mountains rise, 

Our joy is full, our crop is running o'er Whose tow 'ring summits seem to pierce 
No season^ this for sorrows plaintive the skies. 

mood. Here lay outstretched the meadows and 
A father's smiles demand our gratitude. the lawn 

Nor would the "Whig and Journal" be Where Flora holds her court at early 

the last, dawn; 

To conjure up the pleasures of the past. Here fields of yellow grain their harvest 
Our ''Carrier" comes, joy dances on his yield; 

cheek Here nodding corn o'ers spreads the am- 
And pleasures beam from eyes that al- ple field; 

most speak; ' With wild-flowers thickly strewn, the 

Nay! Ladies, patience! send him not forest glade 

awav. Invites young lovers to its peaceful 
But list a moment to his simple lay, shade. 

And while you listen with attentive ear. 

Prepare your tribute to the new born 'Twere easy to conceive some Fairy's 

year. spell 

Had here commingled grotto, cave, and 

Since last we met to hail the opening . , , ^ / j j v >j 

^ '^ And shady copse, and wood embower a 

How many friends have found an early . , ?• , , j i i 

, • , • And gurgling brook, and pleasure glane- 

Some from their kindred have been rude- „, ,'"»," ' , , , i 4.1 • _ 

J , The laughing streamlet, and the river 

And some on billows of temptation _,, '"' . , ,, 1 j. „ 

, ^ The mossy margin, and the rocky steep. 

c! 'j -J.! 1 • But, nav! The rock, the hill, the dale, 

Some, seard with age, as leaves in .,.,.„',,,,;„,,;„„ fl^„,_V j„ +>,. i.r,.u, .ra 
Autumn shed 



Have gone to swell the number of the ^he lordly oak of grass the tender spear 

^ , All, all proclaim creations s God is 

Some, in the furnace of affliction tried. 

Have mourned a parent, some a lovely ^t o • j. 1 » 1 1 1 n . „j 

, . , ' ' •' Here Science too, has rear d her hallowed 

bride ; » ' 

Some, too, have sung the requiem of the , >i t r' xj. 1 t .„ 4.u„ ,„„n„ 

. . * 1 Lov d Lafayette ! Long may thy walls 

While some have reel'd into a durnkard's , , , % j , 4. ■ j.- „ ,av, 

A band of ardent patriotic youth, 

"= ■ Whose bosoms burn with love of sacred 

truth ! 

Here, while we view the havoc Time has From the pure fountain many rich 

made — streams go forth 

-Since for life's voyage we our anchor Glad'ning the East, the West, the South, 

weighed- the North! 

And mark the relics of his crumbling May light attend thy sons where ere 

hand, they go, 

Here, let us pause! a moment let us And truth and justice from their in- 

stand, fluence flow! 

And ask what we have sufi'ered? What By such a Motlier nursed, they scarce 

our gains? ' can fail 

Our losses, what? What source of joy -With her rich precepts stored-with 

remains? —zeal assail 

If crown'd with blessings such as few Tlie haunts of Vice and Ignorance; and 

can share, storm 

309 



The bigot's fortress; and with vigor Encircling man, o'er all tht breadth and 

warm, length 

Attack the baseless fabric of a creed Of earth, and freeing him from slav-rys 
Whose votaries scoff while Truth and chains, 

Virtue bleed. A manumission gives; The spirit reigns. 

Long may they noble founder, Junkin, Not vile potations reeking from the 

live, still, 

His zeal, his talent, and his care, to give But curbed desires, govern now the will. 

To thee his "eldest born," to keep thy 

1 11 But let us take a more expansive view 

From evil influence free! Within thy Of things in gen'ral-as all Carriers do— 

^^]lg And mark the important movements of 
May peace, Morality, and Virtue dwell, the year, 

And every grace! And may thy numbers The signs of change that everywhere 

swell, appear, 

Till— like an Eaglet from his eyrie On hist'ry's page, since here we sung our 

heio'ht, ^^y^ 

When first he essays to approach the To list'ning patrons on last "New 

God of light— Year's Day." 

Thy wings shall spread, thy towering 



head shall rise 
And fame shall waft thee to her native 

skies ! 
When "Union," "Harvard," "Yale," and 

"Nassau Hall" 
"Cambridge" and "Amherst" and "Bow- 

doin," shall fall 



When "Forty-six" began, the Loco-focos, 
—Lifting their heads on high like lofty 

cocoas, 
Off'ring their shade (a thing n-er 

possessed,) 
To weary pilgrims with the heat op- 

When these shall all in course of years, ^^.^ trthefaVrer, "Neath our spreading 
decline, 

— Smitten by naught — save old relent- 
less Time — 

Still like an Eagle, may thy youth re- 
newed. 

Permit thme eye to gaze upon thy brood ^^j ^ .^ ^^^^^ ^^ undismayed! 

Far scatter'd to the earth's remotest „ ., . ^ , „ , , .,, „ , ■' 
bound. 

The world's extreme, with Fame and 
Honor crown'd. 



tree 
Peace reigns, and Plenty, only come and 

see. 
See how we love our country. \Vho'8 

afraid ? 



Pardon, dear patrons, if our muse's love. 



Britain shall bend, with all her power 

and might, 
Phyphtv, phour-phorty, we will have, or 

phyght!" 
And have they got it? No sir-ee. I 

guess 



For Truth and Science, led her wing to They ha int. Bob Peel got safely thro' 

rove. that mess. 

She now returns, takes up the pleasing Columby river warnt so plaguy small. 



That John Bull willingly would give up 

all 
His claims. 'Twas far too good a joke, 
To yield so much to please old "Jemmy 

Polk." 
Next came the Tariff, here, the Whigs 

defeated. 
Looked calmly on and saw the lab'rer 

cheated. 
The Farmer gull'd, the poor mechanic 

fleeced. 



strain 
Her theme renews, her blessings counts 
again. 

Here Art with Nature vies. To show 
her skill 

The stream is made to mount the Col- 
lege hill, 

Schuylkill and Croton, may no longer 
boast. 

While Delaware, assumes a higher post. 

Religious temples too have here a place The merchant robb'd, and Locos' fingers 

Here even Churches lend their aid to greased, 

grace \Miy cmly? 'Cause why? Wliy 'cause I 

Our pleasant streets, the eighth shall say, 

fall They could'nt help it. Polk had all the 

When falls great Babylon. (How great sway. 

that fall!) Then War, with ruthless, devastating 

Here Temperance' Sons, a noble phalanx hand, 

prove Commenced his horrors on the Rio 

That "Purity,, Fidelity, and Love." Grande. 

United, from a threefold cord of Some think these horrors all are multi- 
strength, plied, 



310 



"Tis true," say tliey 'that some brave 

men have died; 
But then we've gained a more exalted 

name, 
And our expolits are trumpeted by 

"Fame." 
We grant the boast of this admiration, 
That "honor's gained and Fame and re- 
putation." 
V>\\t then we ask is Justiee on our side? 
If so, ho matter what our troop betide. 
If not, the names of th' illustrious dead 
Will call for retribution on the head 
Of him whose folly led him on to wage 
Offensive war, and sacrifice a Page, 
A Ringgold, Blake, a Putnam and a 

Brown 
And hosts of others, who for high re- 
nown. 
And noble daring, would to no man 

yield. 
Their blood alas! now stains the battle 

field. 
"Tvesaca de la Palma. — fought in May — ■ 
\\itli Palo Alto and strong Monterey" 
Our soldiers write, "have all given way 

before us 
Tampico's fallen as well as Matamoras 
Barrita's ours and soon we'll let the foe 

see 
They can't long hold San Luis Potosi," 
"Juan de Ullioa" will be taken soon 
For Wise is rigging up his big balloon, 
Laden with bomb shells, a five mile cable, 
And ballast, just enough to keep it 

stable. ■ 
Wise is'nt foolish, he knows what He's 

about 
He'll quickly drive those wretched "dons" 

all out, 
(Jly eyes, how I should like to see them 

scovit ! ) 
He'll supersede the use — on land or 

water — 
Of trooi s or navies. He'll complete the 

slaughter 
Of the whole herd. The halls of IMonte- 

zuma 
(As quick as possible, if not sooner) 
Will be vacated by "las Mexicanos," 
And filled with Yankees, puffing rich 

havanas. 
Seeing the bomb shells, fall from heaven 

like rain. 
They'll never dare to lift their heads 

airain. 
Thus, after twenty millions are expended 
Heads and hearts broken, and old trea- 
ties mended, 
The troops — if any are left — will be dis- 
banded 
And "rough and ready" come back empty 

handed. 
Mexico will pay two millions and pro- 
claim 
A peace, which cost us twenty to ob- 
tain. 



What other things to note, we scarce 

can tell 
Except how often, stocks rose, and 

quickly fell, 
How many vessels for the Gulf have 

sailed 
Why Peel resigned, and why potatoes 

failed, 
Of monster clocks, weighing, sev'n thou- 
sand povuid. 
Ounpowder cotton, and the deaf'ning 

sound 
Of mammoth organs; gas for dead'ning 

pain, 
The Frenchman's marriage with the 

Court of Spain — 
Of foreign actors flocking here in groups, 
The concentration of old John Bull's 

troops. 
The fame of "Powers" — tho' but a young 

beginner, 
"Polks last Message" and the "Web- 
ster dinner," 
Th' Atlantic's wreck, De Myers' piano 

forte. 
The Vallenois danseuse — (no more than 

forty!) 
Of all the "lions" in the cities to be seen. 
And Bancroft's dinner with the British 

Queen. 
But we forbear, lest e'en your patience 

fail, 
We've no desire to lengthen the detail. 

We've touched, we think, each subject 
that pertains 

To "Forty-six," Ah! no, one yet re- 
mains, 

Tho' last recorded, yet are all inclined 

To rank it first 'mong triumphs of the 
mind, 

A planet in our solar system placed. 

Has full six thousand years his orbit 
traced. 

Unknown to man, unseen to mortal eyes 

Far off amid the wonders of the skies. 

Till "Le Verrier," on Genius' pinions 
soar'd 

Beyond the bounds of Herschell and ex- 
plored. 

What erst was decm'd the realms of 
bountless space. 

Gazed on the wanderer in his unknown 
race; 

His orbit trac'd, marked out his farthest 
bound, 

His size and density, and motion found 

Say when did Herschell, or famed New- 
ton, stray 

So far bevond th' effulgent "God of 
day"" 

Herschell, 'tis true. Uranus first observed 

But then 'twas accident. The fame de- 
served 

By "Le Verrier" as far outweighs his 
claim 

To large discov-ry, as the piercing flame 



311 



Of noonday sun, exceeds the glim-ring 

ray 
That ushers in the dawn of perfect day. 
Le Verrier's name that orb alone should 

bear 
Since none can with him in his glory 

share 
Le Verrier's name, tho' hitherto ob- 
scure 
Mut travel space, while Time and Space 

endure, 
We close at last. Our Muse, a ling-ring 

guest, 
Leaves Fancy's pencil to portray the 

rest. 
Farewell dear Patrons, may Religion 

cheer 
Thy path with blessings through the 

coming year! 

(January 6, 1847.) 



INVITATION TO THE LADIES FESTI- 
VAL. 



Hasten neighbors one and all, 
Hasten to our Festival! 
Ladies fair provide the feast, 
Ladies welcome every guest; 
Come though January lowers. 
Here are green and fragrant bowers, 
Sweeter scent than that of roses 
Shall regale your raptured noses. 
Roasted pig and tender chicken, 
Turkeys fat, well worth the picking, 
Sandwiches and b\ittered bread. 
Hams by our farmers fed. 
Apple tart and pumpkin pie, 
"Cold Slaw" nice, and celery. 
Tea most fragrant, strong and sweet, 
Shall give gusto to the treat. 
Coffee brilliant, brown and strong, 
Worthy of a loftier song. 
Should a timely fall of snow. 
Its pure mantle round us throw; 
To sleighing parties from a distance. 
We shall gladly lend assistance, 
And provide for all who come 
Supper hot and transient home. 
Hovering round our ample feast, 
To attend on every guest, 
Faston's maids shall waiting stand 
With winning smile and ready band; 
Come then neighbors one and all 
Hasten to our Festival ! 
Lest you should mistake the time, 
I will sit it down in rhyme, 
Any time from half-past four 
You shall find as oj en door, 
'Till six, when sup] er being past 
Shall retire each smiling guest. 
So that ladies young and fair 
May the evening treat prepare 
Open doors again at seven. 
Shall ensure a ]ileasant even'; 
So return it your inclined, 
Smiling welcome you shall find. 



With all lighter luxuries; 
You can mention such as these; 
Oyster stews and Spanish cream, 
Ices, jellies, grapes that seem 
Cathered freshly from the tree, 
Telegraphed from Italy. 
When the ladies, might I speak 
Of blushes bright and damask cheek, 
Of eyes, that like the diamond beam. 
Of forms as light as fairies dream, 
Of ruby lips and shining hair. 
And R])arkling sniiles-but I forebear — 
Hasten, hasten one and all. 
Meet them at the Festival! 
Easton, January 2.'ith, 1847. 



THE BANKS OF THE DELAWARE. 



Oh ! for the place I love. 

The home of my youth ever fair; 
For the grove and the mossy seat. 

On the banks of the Delaware! 
For the sweet romantic stream. 

Where I loved at eve to stray. 
When the moon's resplendent beam 

Robed all in a mantle gay. 

( >h ! for the friends I love. 

For the friends I long to see; 
For the hour that brings me back 

To the maiden dear to me; 
For the happy time to meet, 

For the sweet embraces there; 
For I'^ve's delightsome life. 

On the banks of the Delaware. 

Lac. May 1!), 1847. 



TO THE DELAWARE. 



By D. E. P. 



Roll proudly on, thou noble stream ! 

And toss thy spray in air; 
or thee, beneath the pale moon's beam; 

I'll sing, broad Delaware! 

I love thy billows' deafening roar. 

As their crests to the stars they bear, 

And break upon the trembling shore 
Of my foaming Delaware. 

Thou rushest through the mountains wild, 

And o'er the vallies fair — 
Freedom's resistless, wayward, child — 

Majestic Delaware! 

Away with the din of festive tnrong! 

I find no pleasure there; 
But my soul euraptiu-ed melts in song, 

On the banks of Delaware. 

Now in thy brink I lay my head. 

Forgetting e\ ery care; 
While thnu roil'st down thy sandy bed, 

Mv nuicli loved Delaware! 



312 



Tlip busy crowds of yonder town 

Enwrapt in slumber are; 
But softer to me tlian beds of down 

Are the banks of Delaware. 

Ol boldly leap to the boundless sea! 
Like a gallant steed to the war. 

Where thy waters may roll to eternity- 
Roll proudly on, Delaware! 
[June 27, 184«).] 



VIEW FROM MY W^INDOW. 



With raptured eyes 1 gaze, 
Ui on the lovely landscape, as it lays 
Outstretched before my window — even 

now, 
Tlie mist is sweejiing from the mount- 
ain's brow ; 
For it is early morning; and the sun 
His course has just begun. 

How beautiful the sce^^e, 
Of hill on hill arising, while between, 
The river li';:e a silvery streak, appears, 
And rugged rocks, the monuments of 

years, 
Resemble the old castles on the Rhine 

V\'hich look down on the vine. 

No clustering grapes, 'tis true, 
Hang from the-^e mountain sides, to 

meet the view ; 
But fairer than the vineyards, is the 

slight 
Of our luxuriant forests; which, despite 
'i lie change of nations, hold their ancient 
place. 
Lost in the Indian race. 

Untiring, I survey 
The prosj ect from my window, day by 

day — 
Something forgotten, though just seen 

before; 
Something of novelty of beauty, more 
1 lian yet discovered, ever charms my 
eyes. 
And \\akes a fresh surprise. 

And thus, when o'er my heart 
A weary tliought is stealing, while ayart 
From friends, and the gay world, 1 sit 

alone, 
With life's dark veil upon the future 

thrown. 
I look from out mv window, and there, 
find, 
A solace for the mind. 

The Indian summer's breath. 
Sights gently o'er the fallen leaflet's 

death ; 
And bids the Frost-king linger on his 

wav 



Till Autumn's tints have brightened o'er 

decay. 
What other clime can such rich painting 
show ? 
Tell us, if any know! 

Estelle. 
Easton October 1847 



OH! I LOV^E HER, SHE'S A 
MAX'S DAUGHTER. 



RICH 



Oh ! I love her still yet. 

Though her hair is not jet, 

And her voice does not flow like tiie 
waters; 

Though her cheek's not like rose. 

And though blushful her nose. 

Oh, I love her, she's a rich man's daugh- 
ter. 

She is no way so smart. 

Loves not science or art, 

Is not graceful, grace never was taught 
her; 

But lier lips are like cherries. 

And her dad has the berries, 

Oh! I love her, she's a rich man's daugh- 
ter. 

Though she's not great in mind, 
Still I feel much inclined, 
J'or 'tis not for mind that I sought her; 
But her money you know. 
For her dad has the dough. 
Oh! I love her, she's a rich nuin's daugh- 
ter. 

Some say she lacks sense, 
If she does she has pence, 
And jewels her money has bought her; 
And I laugh when I think, 
How I'll "pocket the chink" 
When I marry the old rich man's daugh- 
ter. 

Oil no one will laugh, 

Or e'er call me calf. 

Be she simple or wise, when I've caught 

her; 
For the world never mocks. 
Where the dad has the rocks. 
And hands over well to the daughter. 

As for the old man, 
I have fixed on a plan, 
I will tell him my love, he will "siich it;" 
When the wedding is o'er, 
I shall only implore, 

That the old man may soon "kick the 
bucket." 

Folks may say what they please, 
Money "raises the breeze," 
For the girl, I care little about her; 
After marriage I'll fi.x it. 
To soon make my exit. 
And then have the money without her. 

Ketchem. 
August 8, 1840. 



313 



i}¥*A 



THE RESTING PLACE OF MY 
GRAND-FATHER AND GRAND- .. 
MOTHER. 



By Dylace. 

'Tis where the river Delaware, 
Flows on with ceaseless tide, 

My father's mother and his sire, 
Sleep only side by side.. 

Two marble head-stones upward rise. 

Above their lowly graves^ 
And close beside the deep stream lies, 

Witli gentle murmuring waves. 

When sun is sinking in the west, 

And evening shade is cast. 
Upon the two mounds where they rest. 

From mountains huge and vast. 

At little distance rear the cots, 
Of Stockport small and neat. 

Amid the broad and level lots. 
That cheer the lone retreat. 

"Lay me beside that river deep — 
The stream so much I love," 

My grandsire said, and sunk in sleep, 
To wake in climes above. 

Oh! often had he floated on 
The bosom of that stream, 

In years that long were past and gone, 
And there he wished to dream. 

And there they lie upon that shore. 

In undisturbed repose, 
But never will they wander more, 

Where Delaware now flows. 

Honesdale, Dec. 9, 1847. 



LAFAYETTE COLLEGE, E ASTON, PA. 



High on a mount of deathless fame 

Our ColIcL-e jiroudly stands, 
And be;u-s the great great iieroic name 

Its laurel'd height demands. 
In its own scientific might 

It looks most nobly down 
And beaming forth in sunbeams briglit, 

Surve\'s our beauteous town. 

Its spire in golden glory glows, 

And hails each rising day, 
When flow-ry plains their" charms dis- 
close 

To deck tlie Queen of May. 
The warbling songsters of the spring 

"J'heir tuneful voices raise, 
And round tlie College sweetly sing 

Tlioir great Creator's [iraise. 



The well-known bell, in loudest sounds, 

Rolls on the ambient air, 
And ev'ry Student quickly bounds 

His classic feast to share 
The learned Presidential sage. 

That guides the youthful throng. 
In studying many an ancient page 

Shall soon their praise prolong. 

For with the diplomatic prize 

He shall their glory crown. 
And bid them take without disguise 

What science showers down 
In College Halls, so fraught with fame, 

Some giant minds have grown, 
And cloudless as Lafayette's name 

Their starry splendor shone. 

The Puljjit, Senate, and the Bar, 

Afl'ord extensive S] heres, 
To spread their nobles deeds afar 

Through many rolling years 
And many sons of noble sires. 

Within our College walls. 
Shall blaze with fame's ijnmortal fires, 

And bless the sacred Halls. 

Then let us all show forth the praise 

Of our own College Hill, 
And our most cheerful voices raise 

To sound its praises still, 
Let sages, saints and statesmen sing. 

What learning can unfold, 
And sliew that our Pierian spring. 

Has treasures yet untold. 

Let virains, blooming as the rose 

On Sharon's dew-deck'd plain, 
1'heir sweetest, softest, songs compose 

To charm eacli College swain; 
With smiles of innocence and joy. 

Urge on each noMc- youth. 
And bid him all liis pow'rs employ 

For learning, grace, and truth. 

Our Fagle then shall higher soar. 

With fame's loud trumiet's sound, 
And freedom's blessings freely pour 

On all tlie nations roimd. 
Columbia tl en sliall rai>e her voice 

In freedom's noble cause. 
And bid the world with us rejoice, 

That Freedom makes our laws. 

Our daughters bright as sun-lit skies. 

And pure as winter's snow, 
Sliall be our country's highest prize, 

Where streams of learning flow. 
Their fame shall sound in loudest lays, 

Mid our own College Hall, 
Shall add some tribute to their praise. 

And crown them best of all. 

W. B. 

Faston, Pa. Nov. 7, 1849. 



314 



THE SONG OF EASTON. 



A response to The 
"Song of Lafayette College" by W. B. 



A bard of Easton's nmneroiis throng 

His ready pen has tried, 
And sung a song to Lafayette, 

Her beauty and her pride, — 
Of the higli and beautiful that cling, 

Like magic to her name, 
And thrown o'er eacli harmonious line, 

His prophet's ken of fame. 

And say; shall no resjjonse be given, 

To this complimental strain, 
And the notes breeze-borne to Lafayette 

Not echoed back again? 
It may not be while e'en the bare 

And rugged heights around, 
When their slumbering echoes deep are 
waked, 

Will give you back the sound. 

Too deep, too fond, too thrilling, are, 

The memories that wake. 
At the utterance of her classic name. 

In breasts of generous make. 
To let the song, sung to her fame. 

Fade like a parted strain; 
And from the heart's recesses bring 

No answering tone again. 

Ah ; there are hearts in distant climes, 

That beat a quicker flow. 
And feel the memory of the past, 

In brighter colors glow, — 
When the cherished name of La Fayette 

Falls on the ear of care, 
Bringing too, memories of a scene 

Of beauty passing fair. — 

Of a valley that, mid circling hills 

Of changeful vendure, lies 
All wild and beautiful as though 

'Twere meant tliat other skies, 
More deeply, more intensely blue, 

Of brightness more serene, — 
Should ever smile upon the lines 

Of so divine a scene. 

Sure, beings of a purer sphere. 

With finer sense might range 
Forever, o'er those deepening charms, 

Without a wish to change. 
But those there are, that habit here. 

Who feel the full, deep tide 
Of beauty that forever flows 

From every mountain side. 

The framing of this picture fair. 
Arc the dark and rooky hills. 

Yet inner lines of liglit are there — 
The silver-erested rills; 

Whose graceful forms, like Graces meet, 
In sister-like embrace, 



Combining with their different charms, 
Its beauties to increase. 

Fair scenes.' shall aught of darkness 
chase 

The bloom that now we wear? 
Is the future tinged with clouds of gloom 

To damp your summer air? 
Shall the liuht and loveliness that smile. 

From ruby lips and sparkling eyes. 
Or scenes of Nature's beauteonsness, 

Be tarnished 'neath vour skies? 

LA FAYETTENSIS. • 
November 28, 1849. 

THE EASTON CEMETERY. 



A voice from the Easton Cemetry, en- 
couraging its ])roject, and shewing to the 
people its loveliness and beauty, and set- 
ting forth to the inhabitants of Easton, 
the propriety of selecting a hand.some 
s])ot of ground on which they must 
shortly die. 
When we shall sink at last in death's 

embrace 
And fade from earth, where can we 

find a spot 
More meet for calm repose than this 

lone place 
"The world forgetting, by the world 

forgot." 

Inclosed by verdant hills in beauty clad. 
Enshrined by Bushkill's gently mur- 
muring stream, 
Here stay thy steps poor earthly wan- 
derer, 
And pray for that calm sleep that 
knows no dream. 

Each hill that points with finger to the 
sky. 
Teaches frail man the path he too 
should tread. 
And wakens feelings of a blissful hope. 
Here in the future dwelling of the dead. 
Tho' man, when his brief course of life 
is run. 
Recites to seek his lonely place of re-t. 
And little recks where the worn frame 
may lie, 
So the immortal living part be blest. 

Yet 'tis a mournful pleasure to behold 
A home like this when our cares shall 
close. 
Removed from all the turmoil of the 
world. 
And softly wooing us to calm repose. 
Dec. 31, 1849. G. 



315 



AN INTERESTING BIT OF HISTORY 



Showing the Spirit of the Times Here- 
abouts Early Last Century. 



Contributed by Ethan A. Weaver. 

The following was printed in the Eas- 
ton "Centinel" in 1819. To the student of 
local history it contains much of local in- 
terest : 

Picture of Easton, Pa. 

Pennsylvania formerly the property of 
several tribes of Indians was granted by 
King Charles 2nd of England to William 
Pcnn in consideration of his father's ser- 
vices to the crown, on the 4th March 
1081. — In 1099 William Penn arrived in 
America with his '"charter of privileges." 
— In 1700 the Susquehanna Indians grant- 
ed to Penn all their lands on each side 
of the river Sus(|uehanna. — The Cones- 
toga chiefs in 1701 ratified the above 
grant. — In 1708 all the lands on the Dela- 
ware river belonging to other tribes were 
also added by "fair purchase" to the 
proprietary domain. 

The unlimited toleration of the pro- 
prietary government towards all denomi- 
nations of Christians as well as Jews, 
soon attracted the enterprising sons of 
Europe, who scorned bondage and loved 
liberty, to emigrate to the colony of 
Penns. — Among the nations of the old 
world who most liberally contributed to 
populate the fertile wilds of Pennsyl- 
vania, were those of Germany and Ire- 
land, countries which had equally ex- 
perienced the horrors of religious reform 
and fanatacism, peculiar to the fifteenth 
and sixteenth centuries, which had ex- 
tended its baneful influence to some of 
the colonies in North America and de- 
termined our Irish and German Ancestry 
to establish themselves in Pennsylvania. 

Having said thus much relative to the 
population of Pennsylvania, my readers 
will now permit me to describe Easton, 
then unknown except to the savage herds 
which resided on the banks of the Dela- 
ware, and in the sequestered vale, where 
now stands the rich and commercial bor- 
ough of Easton which was once the Ely- 
sium of Indians, their safe retreat, and 
their burying ground; until the adven- 
turous sons of Europe discovered from 
the tops of the mountains the "Forks of 
the Delaware" blooming with uncultiva- 
ted verdure, diversified by the most pic- 
tiu'esque scenery in nature as rivers, 
mountains, hills and dales, evidently 
finished by the creating "fiat," which de- 
termined the rugged and enterprising an- 
cestors of Easton to plant themselves in 
this rich and fertile dale. 

To the proprietary government it was 



a subject of rejoicing, when they consid- 
ered the richness of the soil at the forks 
of the Delaware (as it was then denomi- 
nated) its contiguity to Philadelphia, and 
the three beautiful rivers which washed 
the banks of this ronumtic corner of cre- 
ation. — Accordingly the proprietors 
caused this eligible and valuable site, to 
be surveyed into town lots, about the 
year 1755, and called it Easton, since 
which it has been incorporated into a 
borough — and is now the seat of justice 
for Xorthampton county. — Easton is sit- 
uated on the west side of the river Dela- 
ware, and between the river Lehigh and 
Bushkill creek. — It is 12 miles N. E. from 
Pethlehem— 57 N. of Philadelphia, and 73 
S. W. of New York — And is surrounded 
by mountains as described above, collec- 
tively forming one of the most romantic 
and beautiful landscapes in Pennsylva- 
nia. — Some of the moimtains in the vi- 
cinity of the borough have been named, 
Ida, Olympus, Parnasus — Atlas — and 
j/^efierson, on tiie latter the anniversary 
of the birth day of the nation is annually 
celebrated. — 

"The birthright which our Fathers gave — 
Laws equal, mild, and just, and pure, 
Freedom from anarchy secure. 
Firesides where heavenly bliss has flow'd, 
And Altars consecrate to God. — " 

Easton contains the following public 
buildings, viz: — One court house, two 
chxu-ches, two banks, one jail, one acad- 
emy, one countj^ house, one market house, 
and the library building, the latter 
"founded in 1811" containing 1000 vol- 
umes and manuscripts — tolerably well 
selected; and considerably improved by 
the literati of Easton. — There are also 
four bridges, viz: the Delaware bridge, 
which connects the Pennsylvania with 
the Jersey shore, at Phillipsburg — The 
Lehigh bridge suspended on chains, which 
connects Easton with Reedersville, is a 
light and beautiful structure, belonging 
to the county — and the old stone, and 
new frame bridges across the Bushkill 
both within the borough of Easton. 

Easton contains from 350 to 400 dwell- 
ing houses, and from 3000 to 3500 inhabi- 
tants. — There are 20 wholesale and retail 
stores, 14 taverns, 3 drug and medicine 
stores. 3 millinery shops. 9 confectionary 
and huckster shops. 5 mills for the manu- 
facture of flour, oil, &c., 1 distillery, 3 
tanneries, 4 silversmith shops, 7 boot- 
shoe and saddler shops, coojier's do. 4 
blacksmiths do. 3 -wheelrights do. 1 lock- 
smith do. 2 tin and coppersmiths do. \ 
gunsmith do. 10 taylors do. 1 fife do. 4 
chair manufactories, 5 cabinet do. 1 book 
store, 3 printing presses, 2 book binder- 
ies, 7 coverlet-weavers, 5 board yards, 30 
Durham boats, 4 bakeries, 3 barber shops, 
and 4 oyster "Halls and Hotels" in part 
constitute the obvious callings pursued in 



Easton. — There are also 9 schools, in some 
of which are taught "the languages," 
mathematics. Algebra, surveying, geog- 
raphy, English and German grammar, el- 
ocution, spelling, reading, penmanship, 
embroidery, music, and several other 
branches of education, both ornamental 
& necessary — Easton in point of profes- 
sional numbers is not inferior to any 
other town of its size in Pennsylvania — 
for it employs four divines, and has 
eight lawyers and eight physicians. 

The citizens of Easton liave not been 
back\\ard in im])roving their boroiigh, 
when we consider the expense of the fol- 
lowing improvements, although some 
travellers have strongly intimated the 
utility of pavements, as trie) 
"v/ith splash, with scramble & with 
bound" have passed througli this borough. 
List of Improvements, Expenses, Etc. 
"The Easton Delaware Bridge Com- 
pany" was incorporated by the legisla- 
tures of Pennsylvania & New Jersey as 
early as the year 1793, when the piers 
were erected, and many of the materials 
collected, which were suffered to decay 
until Samuel Sitgreaves esq. volunteered 
his services and effected the erection of 
this valuable and useful structure, "The 
Delaware Bridge" during the years 1804- 
5-() & 7 — at an expense to the company 
of "eighty five thousand dollars." This 
bridge rests on two piers and two abut- 
ments — has three arches, is housed and 
measures about "three hundred and fifty 
feet." — The Delaware bridge company 
received some assistance from this state, 
in a loan, which has since been refunded 
by the stockholders, whose dividends are 
"fifteen per cent" per annum, contingent 
funds not accepted, and is probably the 
best bridge stock in Pennsylvania. 

"The Lehigh Chain Bridge" was erected 
in 1811 at an expense to the borough 
and county of "seventeen thousand dol- 
lars" a free bridge. 

"The old stone bridge" across the Bush- 
kill creek is supposed to have cost "two 
thousand dollars" to the first settlers of 
this borough. — "The new frame bridge" 
across the same stream was erected in 
1818, by the liberal donations of a few 
individuals in Easton for "one thousand 
dollars." 

"The Court-House" in which are held 
the quarterly courts of Oyer and Ter- 
miner, Quarter Sessions and Common 
Pleas, &c., was erected in 1762, at an ex- 
pense of "six thousand dollars" to the 
county. 

"The .Tiiil," an old stone l)uilding, whose 
tliick limestone walls, massive grates and 
))<)'iderous doors, which seems equally to 
frown on time as it bids defiance to es- 
ca])e, was erected about the year 17(Jl — 
and ]u-obably cost the county together 



Avith its more recent improvements at 
least "four thousand dollars." 

"The County House," situated in the 
Eastern Angle of centre square, is a one 
story stone building — containing the 
Prothonotary, Register, Commissioners 
and Sheriff's offices — was erected in 1793, 
at an expense of "two thousand dollars" 
to the borough and county. 

The United German Presbyterian and 
Lutheran Congregations, erected at an 
expense to their societies an "elegant 
stone church" on Pomfret street, the ma- 
son work was done by Mixell, and 
was finished by John Cimnius in 177G — 
twentj'-one years after the survey of 
Easton, by Pierson, surveyer general of 
Pennsylvania, and first Prothonotary of 
Northampton county — at an expense of 
"five thousand dollars." — The builders of 
this fabric are said to have suffered ma- 
terially by the depreciation of Continen- 
tal money, with which they Avere paid. 
"The new brick meeting-house" situa- 
, ted on Bushkill street near Bushkill 
creek, and in a retired and pleasant part 
of this borough, was built by "the Eng- 
lish Presbyterian Congregation" in 1818 
and 19, under the superintendance of Mr. 
John Green, at an expense to the above 
society of "eight thousand dollars" do- 
nations included. — The stile of this build- 
ing is modern, chaste and elegant. 

"The Aaston Academj'," was erected by 
donations from several enterprising and 
liberal citizens in the year 1794 — This 
building is situated on what has since 
been denominated "Science Hill," an ele- 
^•ated conical piece of ground not far 
from the centre of the borough, which 
completely overlooks the town. It con- 
tains four large school rooms, in which 
three schools are taught at present, under 
the superintendance of the Eev'd Mr. 
Bishop, Mr. Wilson and IMr. Kinsey. The 
erection of this building was under the 
immediate superintendance of Mr. John 
Bai-net, and is said to have cost "four 
thousand dollars" including a small dona- 
tion from the state of "three or foiu* 
hundred dollars." 

Tn 1811 "The Easton Library Com- 
])any" erected an elegant brick building, 
capable of containing GOOO volumes, at an 
exjiense lot and building included, of 
"'eleven luuulrcd dollars" to the company. 
This institution was projected by Messrs. 
f]ndres, Ewing and Sitgreaves. 

"'I'he Easton Water Comjjany" was in- 
corporated in 1817, for which subscrip- 
tions were procured to the amoiint of 
"ten thousand dollars," of which $8000 
liave been expended in this laudable un- 
dertaking — This comi)any comiuenced its 
operations in 1818 and finished tliem in 
1819, superintended cliiefiy by Philip H. 
Mattes, esq. to wlioni much credit is due 
for his ingenuity and exertions, in ellect- 



ing this noble and praise worthy improve- 
ment. Their water supply is procured 
from four or five springs one mile N. 
West of Easton on Chestnut hill, and is 
convoyed through aqueducts of wood and 
iron into the grand cistern on the South 
West base of Mount Jeft'crson, from 
whence the town is supplied with "Hy- 
drant Water." 

'"The Easton Humane Fire Company" 
was instituted in 1807.— In 181G "The 
Easton Fire Company" was also institu- 
ted — Both have excellent Engines, and 
the necessary apparatus. 

Of Roads and Turnpikes. — "The Easton 
and Wilkesbarre Turnpike, cost "'sixty 
thousand dollars" — which is partly owned 
in Easton, and has yielded a dividend of 
■"tluee per cent per anniun." 

The road along the Delaware river 
above Easton cost "three thousand dol- 
lars." — The road below Easton on the 
banks of the Delaware is said to have 
cost "'seventeen thousand dollars," both 
are free roads — and are worthy specimens 
of the liberality of the Eastonians. 

Of Banks. — Easton contains two Bank- 
ing institutions, viz. '"The Office of Dis- 
count & Deposit," a branch of the Bank 
of Pennsylvania, established in 1808, — 
and "The P^aston Bank" chartered in 
1814, with an allowance of "two hundred 
and forty thousand dollars" for their cap- 
ital stock. 

Of Associations and Societies. — "The 
Easton INIasonic Lodge" was chartered 
and instituted in 1817 — their regular 
meetings are held in the court house, 
whei'e this society has a room fitted up 
for their occupation. 

"The Easton Female Reading Associa- 
tion" was founded in 1816. — This institu- 
tion is intended to improve the mind by 
reading, composition and conversation. 

"The Easton Ugly Club Society" was 
instituted in 1815. — "Their Uglinesses" 
meet regularly once eA'ery other week at 
their '-Hall." 

"The Easton Sunday School Associa- 
tion," was instituted in 1816. — It has al- 
ready proved a blessing to many, particu- 
larly to children of indigent parents, 
many of whom \\a\e discovered a degi'ce 
nf aptness for the reception of learning 
eijual to those who have had a better op- 
portunity. 

"The Bible Society of Northampton 
County auxiliary to the Bible Society of 
Pliiladelphia." was instituted No^•embor 
Sth 1819— By whom the Bible is to be 
"circulated without note or comment 
both in the English and German lan- 
guages. And any person on paying $10, 
becomes a member for iife." 

Of the Military.~Our last war with 
(ireat Britain aroused the lethargic spir- 
it of Liberty, and nerved the avenging 
arm of republicans throughout the Uni- 



ted States to defend tlieir common coun- 
try.— Among this throng of gallant spir- 
its, East(m contributed her "two com- 
panies of volunteers" for the defence of 
this state; commanded by capt. Peter 
Nungesser Jr. and capt. Abraham Horn 
Jr. who marched to "]\Iarcus Hook and 
Camp du Pont" shortly after that dis- 
graceful and melancholy atlair, the de- 
struction of "the capitol",' at Washington, 
by tlie modern Coths and Vandals of Eur- 
ope in 1814. — Out of these companies 
have been embodied "The Easton Union 
Guards, a well disciplined band of '"one 
hundred and eighteen men," and a band 
of superior musicians; at present under 
the command of capt. David D. Wagner. 

In 1817 several enterprising young men 
who were tired of the militia, united and 
formed a military corps of "eighty vnii- 
formed men" called "The Easton Artiller- 
ists" comanded by capt. William K. Sit- 
greaves. — They have two brass pieces of 
ordnance mounted, of the "Cherburg" 
manufactorj^ said to have been a present 
from the French to the continental con- 
gress during the war of the revolution — 
their names are "La Foudre and L'Am- 
buscade." — To the above company also 
belongs an excellent band of musicians 
instructed by Mr. Weiss. 
"To me be Nature's volume broad dis- 
play'd. 

And to peruse its all-instructing page, 

My sole delight." 

It is not unusual when treating of cer- 
tain districts of country, to pay some at- 
tention to their geology — then permii> 
me to call the attention of my readers, 
to an inquiry relative to the scite of 
wliich Easton now stands.— ^From my 
own observations and the remarks of 
those persons who have been engaged in 
sinking wells, it appears that originally 
the scite of this borough, was a lake or 
pond of water, created by the conlluance 
of the rivers Delaware, Lehigh and Bush- 
kill, meeting at this point among the 
mountains, comingling their currents, and 
collectively depositing the lighter parti- 
cles of earth and stone, in this common 
reservoir, for a lajjse of age«, until a 
firmament of Earth arose above the 
floods. 

That the foregoing sujiposition is a 
fact, may be inferred from the following 
circumstances, viz.: The known changes 
in the bed of the Delaware river— that 
there was a large pond in the centre of 
the borough, inhabited by beavers (Cas- 
tor Fibor.) That the spring freshets 
formerly passed off by a natural channel 
near the base of Science-hill, in a S. 
Westerly direction to the river Leiiigh — 
that wells in the borough require to be 
sunk from 50 to 70 feet, or below the 
beds of the rivers— that "the fragments 



of trees" have been found 20 feet below 
the surface of the Earth — that a well be- 
longing to maj. William Burnett, "rises 
and falls with the freshets" — Also the 
several strata or layers of Earth and 
pebbles above the limestone rocks, the 
primitive base on which these depositions 
have been made satisfactorily demon- 
strates to the most sceptical observer the 
aquatic origin of the scite of Easton. 

The principal Earths found in Easton 
are Lime, Alumine and Silex. There are 
also the following fossils Asbestos, Soap 



stone, Pyritese, Mica, Quartz, Rockchrys- 

tal. Slate and Beryl — the latter discover- 
ed by the author of this Picture, in 1818 
— and is found embodied in the primitive 
rocks on Chestnuthill, highly variegated 
with tints of green, smalt and sky blue — 
chrystalized the same as Emeralds — and 
nearly as hard and transparent as Topaz. 

[The reader will notice the peculiar 
punctuation and capitalization prevalent 
in newspaper "write-ups" of eighty-six 
years ago. 



BD 239. 
















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